ST. PETE BEACH — A conditional-use permit request for a restaurant at 804 Pass-a-Grille Way, featuring two stories of open-deck dining, received enthusiastic praise and approval from city commissioners and residents in the Eighth Avenue historic district.
Senior Planner Gil Martinez told commissioners that developer John Dashiell proposes to open a 159-seat restaurant with open-deck dining on the second and third floors.
The floor plan shows the second level consists of about 2,300 square feet, including a 527-square-foot kitchen, 40 interior seats and 12 high chairs for 52 total seats. The third level has the same square footage with 56 seats and 19 bar seats for 75 interior seats, plus a 32-seat open-air patio for 107 total seats. Combined, the restaurant will seat 159. Design plans show a 500-square-foot exterior dining area on the second level and 640 square feet of exterior seating on the third level.
In their report, planning staff noted “second- and third-level outdoor dining is modest in scale, architecturally integrated, and oriented toward the Pass-a-Grille Channel, reinforcing the coastal character and mixed-use pattern of the CRD-EA (Community Redevelopment District Eighth Avenue).”
Martinez noted the conditional-use permit runs with the land, meaning any future owner must adhere to approved conditions such as prohibiting live outdoor music. “Any modification to operational logistics must be reviewed through a CUP,” conditions state.
“Located along the Pass-a-Grille Channel, the site occupies a prominent location within the historic area of the city,” planning staff concluded. “The project is designed to build on the intent of the CRD-EA zoning district: to promote and sustain the existing mixed-use development pattern and architectural character of the area, while also encouraging infill on vacant or underdeveloped lots.”
“The proposed second-level outdoor dining area is designed as an architectural extension of the building rather than an open deck or rooftop feature, thereby maintaining compatibility with nearby properties,” the planning report stated. “The project’s scale, setbacks and design reflect the traditional coastal vernacular character of Pass-a-Grille and will not adversely affect the appearance or function of the surrounding area.”
Commissioner Jon Maldonado, who represents the district, called it “a wonderful site” with “a great rendition.”
“I’m very happy with the recommended conditions that staff recommended,” he said. “The nearest residence is 316 feet to the south and 328 feet to the north. The loading area is at the rear of the alley and it’s appropriately sized for delivery trucks.”
He noted the proposed development meets all goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, adding he is “incredibly happy to see this and heard no pushback from District 4 residents.”
Maldonado said the proposed restaurant “reflects and echoes the historic character of Pass-a-Grille and this is exactly the type of facility we would like to see erected in Pass-a-Grille.”
Vice Mayor Karen Marriott agreed.
“It looks like a fantastic project,” she said. “It looks like exactly the kind of building that should have been there all along, which I think is perfect and exactly what you want in Pass-a-Grille. I think it’s low impact, low negative impact, high positive impact kind of situation, and I’m very excited to see this move forward.”
Commissioner Lisa Robinson questioned the parking for 159 seats.
Martinez said city code has no parking requirement within the CRDA district.
“I’m sure you’ll get lots of walkables,” Robinson added.
Resident Ruth Schiros, who lives just north of the proposed restaurant, told commissioners she is “100% for the project.”
“I think it’s beautiful for Pass-a-Grille; it’s what we need,” she said. “We are getting a lot of modern-looking buildings that don’t really fit what we’re trying to do down there, and we’re 100% for it.”
Mayor Adrian Petrila said the project “exemplifies what I think is responsible, high-quality redevelopment that fits the look and feel of a historically designated neighborhood.”
“As the commissioner said, it looks like it was always there and always belonged there,” he said. “I’m happy to see the project happen. I think it will be a great addition for Eighth Avenue and Pass-a-Grille Way.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the conditional-use permit.
Major music festival proposed at TradeWinds Resort
During her report at the Dec. 16 meeting, City Manager Fran Robustelli said the city has been approached by TradeWinds and Country Thunder about co-sponsoring a potential event.
“We have had one meeting with this organization since the original permit application came in and did a brief overview on what requirements would be necessary,” she said.
“They submitted a permit to Florida Fish and Wildlife, as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, because the event is currently scheduled to occur May 8 through May 10, which you all know is the beginning of turtle season, as well as the same time frame that our black skimmers come in for their season,” she said.
“We are meeting with our local turtle trackers as well,” Robustelli said. “We’re talking about potential impacts and what support they would need to make this viable if it is. It is a pretty large event expected to sell 10,000 to 12,000 tickets per day, and it is currently planned on the beach, so there’s a lot of moving parts and pieces. At this point, no permits have been issued by the city or state.”
Country Thunder Music Festival features major country stars in concert at several U.S. and Canadian locations. The 2026 season marks the 30th anniversary of the brand’s original event in Arizona.
The Florida concert is already being promoted on the group’s website as a new beachfront location at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. Proposed headliners include Kane Brown, Zach Top, Gavin Adcock, Shaboozey, Gretchen Wilson, Randy Houser and Max McNown.
Robustelli said she would keep commissioners informed of developments.