Florida Historic District Immediately Draws Lawsuit

A historic district recently established in St. Petersburg’s Mirror Lake neighborhood is already mired in a legal dispute.

The district’s legal validity is being challenged by real estate attorney Matt Weidner, who argues that the designation violates a 2023 state law that prohibits referendums on land development regulations, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported. The district’s approval, which came after a 5-2 city council vote last week, has highlighted divisions within the community over preservation and development.

The district includes Mirror Lake Park and properties within 200 feet but excludes the Sunshine Center at 330 Fifth Street North, a city-owned building removed from the designation to allow potential redevelopment.

Weidner’s lawsuit also questions the quasi-judicial process used by the city council, arguing that it’s unconstitutional. The lawsuit received a hearing last week, with a decision expected in January.

“Those who are cheering may be cheering too soon,” Weidner said. “The court has yet to render a decision on whether it is constitutional.”

Critics of the district have raised concerns about its potential to stifle development. The community vote that supported the measure was dominated by residents from two condominium buildings, fueling fears that similar referendums could block projects in other parts of the city.

The designation imposes restrictions on property owners, requiring approval for substantial changes or demolitions.

Dissenting council members criticized the ordinance, saying it is overly burdensome and that the district’s boundaries are arbitrary. They also questioned the exclusion of city-owned properties like the Sunshine Center.

Urban Planning Manager Derek Kilborn defended the district, citing parallels with historic designations in neighborhoods like Historic Kenwood.

— Andrew Terrell