Tampa City Council voted Jan. 15 to deny a comprehensive plan amendment and planned development rezoning that would have allowed the Mirasol on Davis Islands to be converted from apartments into a boutique hotel.
The decision followed a lengthy, at times tense, public hearing that lasted nearly 5.5 hours, reflecting the depth of disagreement surrounding the proposal.
More than 100 residents, business owners and community stakeholders addressed the council during the meeting.
Speakers were divided over whether a boutique hotel would preserve the historic waterfront building or fundamentally alter the character of Davis Islands.
Several council members emphasized that the vote was not a rejection of historic preservation itself but a reflection of land-use, zoning and procedural concerns raised during the review process.
Community support centered on preservation
Supporters framed the proposal as a preservation-driven response to the building’s deteriorating condition.
They argued that converting the Mirasol to a boutique hotel would allow the property to pursue historic designation and make reinvestment possible after years of deferred maintenance that they said was difficult to justify under its current use.
Public comments emphasized responsible land use, long-term stewardship and the need to reinvest in a structure supporters described as both iconic and increasingly fragile.
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During deliberations, Council member Guido Maniscalco pointed to the Planning Commission’s role in shaping the outcome, calling its unanimous recommendation against the proposal “concerning.”
Multiple council members said that recommendation weighed heavily in their decision-making, even as they acknowledged the preservation arguments raised by supporters.
Economic viability weighed against zoning concerns
Council members also grappled with broader questions about how historic buildings are sustained over time and what role zoning should play in that equation.
Council Chair Alan Clendenin acknowledged the economic realities facing older structures, saying Tampa “can’t turn into a 100% residential city.”
Clendenin also referenced past examples of historic buildings lost to neglect and decay when no viable financial path existed to sustain them.
He warned that preservation without economic viability often leads to demolition by attrition rather than intentional reuse.
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At the same time, several council members said their concern was not the hotel concept itself but the scope and flexibility of the requested zoning classification.
They said it could enable future development beyond what was presented at the hearing and extend beyond the specific proposal under review.
Several members stressed that their role was to evaluate whether the requested comprehensive plan amendment and zoning category were appropriate for the site, not to speculate on future economic outcomes or alternative preservation strategies beyond the application before them.
Owners warn of uncertainty ahead
Frank and Lindsey Carriera, who own the Mirasol along with a small group of investors, said they were disappointed by the outcome but grateful for the level of public engagement.
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who took the time to write letters, speak publicly and support this vision,” Frank Carriera said. “The level of engagement made it clear that the community understands what is at stake. This proposal was the most sensitive and responsible way to preserve the Mirasol for the long term.”
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The owners said the denied rezoning would have allowed the building to pursue historic designation and make reinvestment possible to address structural, safety and infrastructure issues after years of deferred maintenance.
“The Mirasol is a rare and irreplaceable part of Tampa’s history,” Carriera said. “Without a viable path forward, its future remains uncertain. The need to protect and invest in this building does not disappear with tonight’s decision.”
What the vote means going forward
The council’s vote leaves the Mirasol operating under its existing zoning and use as apartments.
The decision does not require immediate changes to the property but removes the proposed hotel conversion as an approved option.
Despite the denial, the Carrieras said they remain committed to the building and to continued dialogue with city officials and the Davis Islands community.
“The trust shown by our neighbors means everything to us,” Carriera said. “We remain committed to finding a responsible solution that preserves this historic building and respects the community it has long been part of.”