Not much has happened at the Waterline Resort and Beach Club site in Holmes Beach since a groundbreaking in October 2015.
The resort, scheduled to open in late fall, lacks a city building permit.
Mainsail Lodging and Development vice president of development Brian Check said the city has yet to respond to queries concerning the status of the permit.
Check said Mainsail submitted changes to the original structural drawings to come into compliance with city resolutions in early December, but he has yet to receive any feedback. Changes include higher building elevations and some minor design alterations.
“We’re ready to get this project underway,” Check said. He said city approval is needed before more work can occur.
Completed work includes utility services to the site and some work to map out the buildings.
At press time, Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuinness had not responded to phone calls and email requests for comment other than to say the plans are under review.
Once construction gets underway, Check said the marina will stay open, but the building site will no longer be used for marina parking. “We have plenty of marked spaces on-site,” said Check, who plans to keep an on-site office. The office, housed in a trailer, is closed while Mainsail awaits permitting.
The office, constructed using a temporary permit in 2002, is the focus of a city code enforcement inquiry to determine if it meets code or requires a new permit.
“We’re looking into it,” said JT Thomas, Holmes Beach code enforcement officer.
In the meantime, Check is taking the opportunity to hire contractors and subcontractors. He said construction would start with the laying of foundations.
During construction, Check said noise will be kept at a minimum and screening will prevent residents from seeing as much activity as possible.
“We’re taking measures to not put neighbors in a construction zone,” Check said. “It’s what a good neighbor would do.”
The resort will feature 37 two-bedroom suites, each with a kitchen and 1,200 square feet of living area. The full-service hotel will have a restaurant, lounge and poolside bar. There will be wedding and meeting facilities, outdoor fire pits and a pool deck overlooking the 50-slip marina.
Mainsail plans to operate an electric jitney to ferry guests between Waterline and the Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, where resort guests can enjoy the beachfront.