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Curious to learn more about preservation or ways to get involved in your community, but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help. In our blog, our preservation experts break down current advocacy issues, ways to get involved, and local St. Pete happenings.
Local preservation activist and Preserve the ‘Burg founding member Peter Belmont received a key to the City of St. Petersburg on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at St. Petersburg City Hall. The key to the City is the highest civilian honor and honors Belmont for his lifelong leadership and successful, decades-long resume of local historic and environmental preservation efforts.
Today, I ask you to take a moment to close your eyes and imagine St Pete without the Vinoy. Without our waterfront parks. Without buildings like The Detroit Hotel on First Block or the Crislip Arcade on Central Avenue. For me, it’s impossible to imagine St. Pete without these places, and I imagine it’s difficult for you, too.
"Without a doubt the question we hear the most often at PTB is: What’s going on with the old YMCA on 2nd Avenue South and 5th Street? The short, and unsatisfying answer is: Not Much."
A reader posed the question: "Peter, is there a difference between 'National Register' and 'Local Register' designation of historic properties?" And Peter answered: "Yes! National and Local Listing of Historic Properties differ, and it is an important distinction!"
In 1908 real estate agent Noel Mitchell placed a couple of benches in front of his office on Central Avenue on which customers could relax after making the long trek to the corner of 4th Street. The benches became popular, so other businesses soon followed suit, and in 1917 a city ordinance mandated that all the benches be painted the same shade of hunter green. They quickly became a symbol of hospitality throughout the nation - splashed on postcards and magazines that promoted the good life in the Sunshine City.
