ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The historically designated Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished on Thursday after being substantially damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
What You Need To Know
The historically designated Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished on Thursday
The 90-year-old structure was substantially damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024
The historic building was originally a beach shelter in Gulfport, before being moved by barge to St. Pete Beach in the late 1920’s
The budget for the new shuffleboard clubhouse is $166,000 and is expected to be a pavilion type structure
“We had hoped more than anything it could be saved,” said Bonnie Gustafson, club member. “The city did the research and just decided it was the best choice.”
The 90-year-old building was originally a beach shelter in Gulfport, before being moved by barge to St. Pete Beach in the late 1920’s. A demo crew contracted by the city for $9,000 used a backhoe to tear down the historical building, which had pink exterior walls, two bathrooms, air conditioning, storage space and a cedar plank ceiling.
“It’s just sad because we just thought it would always be here,” said Carla Kegel, club member. “It’s just been a big part of our life.”
Pass-a-Grille Shuffleboard Club President John Gustafson managed to take out a few items from the clubhouse before the demolition began.
“We salvaged this nice window. The plan is to put a number of photos, memorabilia and stuff from the shuffleboard club in here,” he said. “When they build a new structure, we’ll be able to have some memorabilia in the new building.”
Last May, city leaders said the historical clubhouse was part of the character of Pass-a-Grille and considered restoring it before learning it would cost $192,000 and exceed the budget. The city then explored moving a 100-year-old Pass-a-Grille home to the site to serve as the new clubhouse.
Those plans were scrapped in December because it too was going to cost too much money at an estimated $475,000, even though the house was going to be given away for free.
City Commissioner Jon Maldonado, who represents Pass-a-Grille, said that demolition was the only fiscally responsible thing to do with the damaged historic structure.
“It’s bittersweet. We know that we needed to do it. It wasn’t something that we wanted to do,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it was what was necessary. So it’s an emotional day for the community.”
Public Services Director Camden Mills said feedback from community meetings showed club members wanted the new clubhouse to be a shade structure with storage for shuffleboard equipment and restrooms. It’ll be similar to a pavilion type structure.
Rendering of the new clubhouse
“The commission is excited to hear what that’s going to look like,” said Maldonado. “We have not voted on it.”
Mills said the budget for the new shuffleboard clubhouse is $166,000 and the city will be advertising a request for bid. The public services director expects to present it to city commissioners for approval in about 6 months.
“I’m just happy that the city realizes the significance and the importance of having a shelter,” said Bonnie Gustafson. “It breaks our heart that it’s not keeping the original.”