The most notable agenda item was the board’s approval of a certificate of approval to add awnings to the contributing structure on Hibiscus Street. The property, located within both the National Register and Local Historic District, had undergone renovations that initially did not align with the conditional approval granted in March 2023. The applicant had previously appealed the denial of an after-the-fact permit, leading to a consultative process with the county’s historic preservation specialist. The solution proposed involved adding awnings to cover new windows, thus aligning the building with its historical appearance. The board unanimously agreed to a conditional approval, stressing that a restrictive covenant will be placed on the property. This covenant ensures that any future construction requiring a certificate of approval must adhere to the conditions set forth, thereby maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

Additionally, the board and staff discussed the upcoming Elevate Florida program, which aims to mitigate flood damage by elevating homes in vulnerable areas. This initiative is expected to affect historic neighborhoods in Tarpon Springs, notably in the Fruit Bowl area. The program’s implementation might necessitate additional meetings to expedite the approval process for homeowners seeking to elevate their homes. The board underscored that despite the program’s urgency, all projects would still require compliance with local design review guidelines and the usual permitting process.