Redevelopment of the vacant downtown Forbes lot
Summary
The vacant CRA-owned lot at 144 E. Tarpon Avenue — vacant since unsafe buildings were demolished — will now get a 15-room boutique hotel with retail, event space and a courtyard. Supporters say it brings life back to downtown and honors the area's history.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city/CRA sold the site for redevelopment, and the hotel is expected to support downtown businesses and tourism.
Downtown businesses, tourists and residents who want the vacant Forbes lot redeveloped.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Commissioners - Oct 13, 2026
The vacant CRA-owned lot at 144 E. Tarpon Avenue — vacant since unsafe buildings were demolished — will now get a 15-room boutique hotel with retail, event space and a courtyard. Supporters say it brings life back to downtown and honors the area's history.
Planning & Zoning Board - Sep 21, 2026
The city-owned vacant lot at 144 E. Tarpon Avenue has sat empty since unsafe buildings were demolished years ago. A boutique hotel with retail and event space would bring activity, tourists, and foot traffic to downtown businesses.
Related development
Boutique Hotel and Mixed-Use Building, 144 E. Tarpon Avenue
Brings an underused downtown lot back to life with lodging and retail, expected to support the sponge docks and main street businesses; construction estimated at roughly two to two-and-a-half years including permitting.
Application 26.41 — The Tarpon Registry
The revised door better matches the historic storefront, resolving the board's earlier concern.
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