Thomas opposes another project

JUNE 20, 2008

Once again Fred Thomas, the Pinch-a-Penny founder and former Clearwater city commissioner, is opposing a big-time development project.

This time it’s the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa's $100-million rehab, which the Belleair Town Commission approved May 20. Alan Zimmet, a Clearwater lawyer who is also the Largo city attorney, filed an appeal this week in Pinellas Circuit Court to overturn the decision.

In his 34-page petition, Zimmet said commissioners violated town code when it signed off on the developer’s plans to build a spa taller than code allows just west of the hotel. He also says the code requires that the spa is built in the hotel, not separate from it.

Thomas' main beef (there are plenty more cited in the petition): noise and traffic (Thomas lives nearby).

Thomas several years ago successfully thwarted one of Clearwater’s massive revitalization plans along the downtown waterfront.

-- Mike Donila, Times Staff Writer

Posted by Times Editor at 8:22:17 am on June 20, 2008 in

pinellas

| Permalink | Comments |

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

Most Recent Blog Posts

Republican challengers lining up to take on state Rep. Peter Nehr of Palm Harbor in August February 10

Democrat Hillsborough commissioner gets some love from the governor February 09

Regional vendor preference plan rejected in Hillsborough February 08

Tom Scott considering run for Hillsborough elections supervisor February 08

Red light camera critic becomes pollster February 08

Hillsborough County to repave Bayshore Boulevard in time for RNC February 08

Commissioners asks state to spare Hillsborough Correctional Institution February 08

Hillsborough commissioners kick off county attorney search February 08

From Times' op-ed page: Local bishop, parishioner on Catholic birth control controversy February 08

Hillsborough commissioners to talk hiring a new attorney February 07

About the blog

Bay Buzz is your source for Tampa Bay politics news and discussion. Tampa Bay Times writers offer the latest in Tampa Bay politics and government news from Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County and Hernando County. Keep in mind: This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the Tampa Bay Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper.

Have a story idea? E-mail Times editor Tom Scherberger: tscherberger@tampabay.com.

Comment Policy

Please be sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them. Inappropriate comments include content that:

Is libelous

Is abusive, harassing, or threatening

Is obscene, vulgar, or profane

Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive

Is illegal or encourages criminal acts

Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution

Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others

Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)

Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises

The Tampa Bay Times does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy.

Registration FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site.