Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene slammed into the Gulf Coast, redevelopment plans are beginning to reshape parts of Pass-a-Grille, where some of the beach town’s most recognizable properties remain storm-damaged.

The former “Barracks by the Sea” apartments—historic World War II-era Army barracks converted into rental units—still sit partly boarded up. Now, the property owners are asking the city to approve an eight-unit modern apartment complex to replace the storm-battered buildings.

Residents Divided on Preserving Old Florida Character

Throughout Pass-a-Grille, rebuilding is underway. For locals, the concern is whether new construction will maintain the neighborhood’s small-town, old-Florida charm.

“Pass-a-Grille is a unique area. It’s just a beautiful area. It’s paradise,” said Rick Falkenstein, owner of Hurricane Seafood Restaurant. Still, he admits change is inevitable. “It’s going to change…it’s really going to change…and it’s sad.”

Some residents told WTVT they’d rather see the Barracks property redeveloped into new apartments than risk it being replaced with oversized vacation homes.

Boutique Hotel Proposed Near Seahorse Restaurant

Another project could bring a different kind of development to the heart of Pass-a-Grille. Just steps from the historic Seahorse Restaurant, which is being rebuilt after the storm, developers have proposed a four-story boutique hotel.

The hotel, called The Helios, would feature 17 rooms and a rooftop pool, designed in a sleek, modern style. Because the site falls within the city’s Eighth Avenue District, the project does not require a design review—meaning it isn’t obligated to reflect the surrounding neighborhood’s style.

City officials say design guidelines for the district are being drafted, but have not yet taken effect.

Both projects remain under city review. Site plan approvals typically take 60 to 90 days. While the Barracks project will also need special exceptions from the city’s board, neither development requires approval from the St. Pete Beach City Commission.

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(Image credit: Lauren Peace)

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