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Welcome to the Belleview Biltmore Updates.  I, Diane Hein, send these out on a regular basis, either once a month or every other month depending on events. This keeps Biltmore supporters, the news media, preservation organizations and others updated on what is going in regards to preserving this glorious Victorian hotel now that it is saved!  If you would like to be on our mailing list click:   Email Me Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists. Allow 24 to 48 hours to be put on the Belleview Biltmore Mailing List.  


Please note that the demolition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel has been stopped AND THE BILTMORE IS SAVED!


Biltmore Update, Wednesday January 23, 2008

Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE IS GOING GREEN!
Many exciting events have happened at the Biltmore in the past few months including a news conference with Florida Governor Charlie Crist in November 2007!  It was held at the Biltmore and also included new owner Legg Mason Real Estate's managing director Joseph Penner and John Hildreth from National Trust.  Speaking from the stairs of the hotel's original porch entrance, Mr. Penner announced plans for seeking the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the 110 year old Biltmore.  Governor Crist applauded these new green building plans:  “What you’re doing, Joe, is exactly the right thing,” Crist told Joe Penner, LMREI’s managing director, “preserving the Biltmore for future generations to enjoy.”  "My focus is on Florida,” Crist said. “The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our cultural legacy. It’s our duty to take care of national historic sites.” Today is an important day for one of Florida's most historic sites…The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries. I commend Legg Mason's concern for the environment and commitment to restoring the resort in a way that will help preserve Florida's beautiful natural environment."

The above quote is from the Belleair Bee from the article "Crist gives thumbs up to Biltmore Plans" by Chary Southmayd Wednesday, November 21, 2007:
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/112107_bee-01.txt   For full article.



In above photo, Governor Charlie Crist, left, chats with Joe Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors

BILTMORE TIE TACK/LAPEL PIN:
Our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists presented Governor Crist with a sterling silver Biltmore tie tack/lapel pin as a thank you gift for his coming to the Biltmore in November.  You may also order this tie tack/lapel pin in sterling silver or gold at  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm#Tie%20Tack/Pin It may also be used as a lady's pin.  This is the actual size of the lapel pin.

OTHER RECENT NEWS ARTICLES:

Wooden icon breathes new green life

By Rita Farlow St. Petersburg Times  November 20, 2007 

For full article click:

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1385742161.html?dids=1385742161:1385742161&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Nov+20%2C+2007&author=RITA+FARLOW&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=1&desc=WOODEN+ICON+BREATHES+NEW+GREEN+LIFE

"LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The designation is supplied by the U.S. Green Building Council for buildings that meet a lengthy set of environmentally responsible standards. "We're here today to set the stage for the future, and I can tell you it's a grand vision. This resort will be reborn as a modern energy-efficient, LEED-certified, green building while retaining all of its historical significance and its grandeur," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason."  Penner outlined some of the ways his team - including Heisenbottle Architects of Coral Gables - will seek certification.
 

"The existing electrical, heating and cooling systems will be replaced with updated, energy-efficient versions. Salvageable materials will be reused. And current asphalt parking lots will be replaced with an underground garage to create more green space.  Building "green" makes sense, Penner said. Although construction and materials can be more expensive up front, decreased operating costs mean savings in the long run.
 

"John Hildreth, director of the southern office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, lauded preservation efforts that focus on environmental sustainability."We believe that the greenest building is the one that already exists," Hildreth said. "We believe, as well, that traditional preservation practices are compatible with environmentally sound building principals." In 2005, the Biltmore was placed on the organization's list of 11 most endangered historic places.  Hildreth said he hopes to return someday to see the resort atop a different list: the National Trust's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, which honors unique communities committed to preservation."


Hoteliers Offer Another Reason to Support the Biltmore
By Renee Burrell
http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20071129/biltmore.html  
Clearwater Gazette, November 29, 2007
"The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders headquartered in Washington D.C. Upon certification, the resort can be designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a "green lodging".  The LEED Green Building Rating System is the accepted national standard that promotes building design and construction practices that reduce negative environmental impacts.  LEED can be granted for attaining different levels--Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The level of certification depends upon the number of credits a building or renovation project garners in five green design categories including, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality."



In above photo from left to right, John Hildreth of National Trust, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Legg Mason managing director Joseph Penner

FORMAL APPLICATION APPLIED FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS:In December, Legg Mason Real Estate filed a formal application for the new renovation plans for the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel site so we are very pleased to see this next step.  I was asked for a comment for this article so thank you to reporter Carrie Henderson. To read an excellent synopsis of the last three years to save the Biltmore and the exciting new redevelopment plans read:http://www.tampabaysun.com/TBS_Jan_10_08-LOW-RES.pdf

Tampa Bay Sun Newspaper January 10, 2008

Redevelopment Plan Filed for the Belleview Biltmore

By Carrie Henderson
Renovation and restoration plans to return the Biltmore to its former glory days include:

A new landscaped grand entrance to the main hotel
A fully restored 256-room main hotel structure with 5 ballrooms, meeting rooms, restaurants and retail shops
A new, but architecturally consistent, 174-room annex hotel adjacent to the main hotel structure
Three restored Victorian cottages
A new one-story spa facility with underground parking
Elegantly landscaped grounds and the elimination of surface parking through the construction of underground parking
Removal of the existing "pagoda" structure at the current front entrance to the main hotel
A refurbished clubhouse, improved landscaping and parking at the Pelican Golf Club

PINELLAS COUNTY PRESERVATION TASK FORCE MEETING:

Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Seel, chair.
Preservation Task Force sees Biltmore plans
By HARLAN WEIKLE

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/011608_bee-01.txt  
Belleair Bee January 16, 2008

"BELLEAIR – Architect Richard Heisenbottle presented plans for the restoration of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel to the county’s Preservation Task Force on Jan. 9.  Using a slide presentation, Heisenbottle detailed the major components of the restoration project, which is estimated to cost $100 million. Notably, some of the most dramatic changes to the historic resort will be the ones that aren’t seen: service tunnels, loading docks and underground parking for nearly 700 cars, which will open space surrounding the resort to new use such as event lawns for receptions, outdoor weddings or simple romantic strolls through Victorian gardens.

"Two levels of underground parking will be 20 feet below a sod- and shrub-covered expanse of lawn dotted by containerized trees. The entire structure will be covered with a foot of soil and a drainage system. Like “Alice in Wonderland, cars will disappear down a rabbit hole; a bit of, “Disney magic” as Heisenbottle called it.

"Another “Disneyesque” aspect of the project will include lots of tunnels, which the architect says is a necessary component of any world class resort. Service tunnels will lead from the new two-story central prep kitchen to smaller kitchens serving the several dining venues envisioned for the project. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind, these tunnels, some of which already exist, will rise by elevator directly into the smaller kitchens.
 

"Likewise, the exterior service areas, which now wrap unceremoniously around the perimeter of the hotel, are to be replaced by a single, modern service area replete with loading docks and mechanical facilities, all of which will be hidden behind 6-to-8 foot landscaped garden walls.

"The ballrooms, too, will receive special treatment. The Tiffany and Candlelight ballrooms will be restored to their original grace and the Starlight Ballroom will have its original window walls revealed; walls, which are now covered by interior secondary walls.

"A new architecturally sensitive hotel annex will add additional rooms needed to accommodate conventions, and a new one story spa will rise over underground parking space. Facing the west side of the hotel this structure almost “residential” in character Heisenbottle said, “will not interfere with anyone’s view,” referring to the neighboring condominium buildings bordering the site.

2007 BILTMORE GINGERBREAD HOUSE AWARD!
Chef Etienne and Chef Hueppi of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel created a holiday gingerbread house for the Festival of Trees in Clearwater in November 2007 and won a first place ribbon!   It took 16 man-hours to complete, and it was a popular stop at the show with children posing in front of it for their parents to photograph them.   And of course the fragrant ginger aroma brought many people over to this edible house! The chefs have won a first place award twice in the past four years.  



For a larger photo of the gingerbread house click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/Belleview%20Biltmore%20Hotel%20Gingerbread%20House%20Festival%20of%20Trees%202007.htm


INTERVIEW WITH JACK HARRIS:
We want to thank radio personality Jack Harris of Tampa Bay radio station WFLA 970 A.M for inviting us to speak with him in November.  Our vice president Ed Jameson was interviewed.

VINTAGE PHOTOS:
We want to thank new Biltmore supporter Jim Pysz for his 1943 photos of his father Chester Pysz, when he was stationed at the Biltmore.  Mr. Pysz (from Michigan) was at the Belleview Biltmore in World War II when the hotel housed military service people where they trained. The hotel was closed to tourism at that time.  All the windows were painted black in order to prevent it from being seen at night. Mr. Pysz served in the United States Air Force and was a radio operator/gunner on a B-26 bomber 320th bomb group - 441 squadron (62 combat missions) 



To view two other photos from 1943 click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BiltmorePhotos_Broad_Band.htm  and keep scrolling down the page.  They are in black and white.  We are always looking for vintage historic photos of the Biltmore especially of the
INTERIOR of the hotel before World War II.  If you have any, please forward them to me, and I can post them to our Biltmore web site.  Unfortunately all the antique furniture was sold when the troops were stationed there, so it would be wonderful to have any old photos of the interior of the hotel before this was done.

2008 BILTMORE CALENDAR:
A one page 8.5 x 11 inch 2008 Biltmore calendar is available at our online store.


CHARM HER WITH A BILTMORE CHARM!
Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away so a Biltmore charm in 14 K gold or sterling silver (nontarnishing) is the perfect gift for your favorite Valentine.  For a Valentine for him, we have a sterling or gold tie tack/lapel pin as indicated in the photo at the top of this page.   Either gift is a beautiful way to keep the glow of the Biltmore out in public!



This is the actual size of the gold and silver charm.



The charm may also be used as a keychain!  

Or give your special Valentine a
membership to help us continue promoting the Biltmore.

http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm  The actual size of the certificate which includes the member's name is 8.5 by 11 inches.


CLOSING THOUGHTS:
The Biltmore is moving forward into a wonderful new era of renovations in 2009 that will eventually restore her to her glory reminiscent of the 1940's and yet she is also going green. So this will be a wonderful time for the hotel to combine the old with the new.   Schedule your next meeting, wedding, conference or vacation at the Belleview Biltmore to ensure her walk continues at a steady pace into an exciting new future.  http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com

Sincerely,


Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com     
Dedicated to saving all four wings of the hotel since 2004 


Biltmore Hotel Update Thursday, November 1, 2007
 
 
Dear Biltmore Supporters, New Media and Others,
 
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL RENOVATION PLANS
The new renovation plans by new Belleview Biltmore hotel owner Legg Mason Real Estate Investors'  was presented to Belleair town officials and the public on Wednesday, September 19, 2007.  LMREI CEO Joseph Penner and architect R. J. Heisenbottle did the presentation. The plans are outstanding and will restore the White Queen of the Gulf!  There are many articles below describing the new plans.  I have included some information from each article, but if you want to read the restoration plans in more detail, then just click on the links.  Here are the two beautiful rendered drawings for the new front entrance and and reflecting pool with cabanas by R. J. Heisenbottle Architects.
 

Biltmore renderings
 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/092007_bee-01.txt
    Belleair Bee September 20, 2007
Belleview Biltmore to shine once more
BY HARLAN WEIKLE  Click link for jpg rendering of the new entryway of the Biltmore
BELLEAIR – Promising a new roof first and $100 million later a five-star hotel, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors’ Joseph Penner Sept. 19 presented his firm’s plans for restoration of the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort.
 
A standing room only crowd at Town Hall started gathering early for what was to be their first look at Coral Gables architect Richard Heisenbottle’s vision for the restoration of the fabled hotel.  A new 10,000 square foot ballroom, larger rooms – some with cathedral ceilings – tucked below the famous gabled green roof and the addition of retail shops including a bakery, ice cream shop and high-end jeweler are just a few of the many details Heisenbottle highlighted. The audience, clearly responding favorably, fell captive to the imagery of landscaped event lawns and a new “grand drive” along a palm tree lined boulevard leading to the new entrance of what he said would be once again a “destination hotel.”
 
The much maligned pagoda entrance erected by previous Japanese owners will be first to go, he said to cheers from the crowd.  At the Beach Club property on Sand Key, a swimming pool and two restaurants will go to provide for a new “57-unit boutique hotel” with cabanas on the beach, which Heisenbottle assured will still be run by the Biltmore.  The existing resort spa will be demolished and a new spa with a parking garage below will replace it, where the tennis courts are now situated.
 
http://tbnweekly.com/content_articles/092607_bee-01.txt       Belleair Bee September 26, 2007
Biltmore design captivates audience
By HARLAN WEIKLE  Click link for jpg rendering of the new pool area for the Biltmore
Armed with richly illustrated renderings and detailed plan views, some of which project architect Richard Heisenbottle admitted were still works in progress just the evening before, the team headed by LMREI CEO Joseph Penner, treated a standing room only crowd to their first look at the group’s vision for the historic resort.  The restoration project, will cost an estimated $100 million according to Penner, who told the audience the plan is to restore the Biltmore to its former glory reminiscent of the 1940s era.
 
http://tbo.com/video/xml/MGBXR99NS6F.html  VIDEO!  September 19, 2007 Please wait up to 25 seconds before the video downloads.  NBC TV Channel 8 local Tampa Bay news by Peter Bernard.   The representative of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors Joseph Penner, the architect Richard Heisenbottle, as well as our vice president Ed Jameson of Save the Biltmore Preservationists are all interviewed in this VIDEO segment!  So be sure to click on this link!!
 
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1339558521.html?dids=1339558521:1339558521&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+21%2C+2007&author=TERRI+BRYCE+REEVES%3BLORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=1&desc=GRAND+HOTEL%2C+GRAND+PLAN
 
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES  (our vice president of our nonprofit organization Ed Jameson was also interviewed for this article)  Date: Sep 21, 2007
GRAND HOTEL, GRAND PLAN
Author: TERRI BRYCE REEVES; LORRI HELFAND
"We're preserving a legacy for future generations," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles. Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June.  Penner predicted the restored hotel will one day be a five-star resort, "one we can all be proud of."
 
The ballrooms, dining room and pub would receive major renovations. The total number of resort rooms would go from about 244 today to about 435. Some rooms, small by today's standards, would be combined.  One key aspect of the project is parking. The "asphalt will go away," he said.  Instead, motorists will enter through a rabbit-hole-like entrance where a valet will drive their cars to one of two underground motor courts. A one-story garage with 74 spaces will go under where tennis courts exist today. The other subsurface spaces will be two levels, with 600 parking spots. Those will be built under the current parking lot.  With the surface parking gone, there will be more green space, trees and walking trails, he said.
 
Heisenbottle described a "grand entrance" with palm and shade trees, fountains and a Victorian-style porte-cochere. The lobby will be a "soaring three stories" and built in traditional Victorian style.  The golf clubhouse will also get a makeover with a new porte- cochere, locker rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, bar and grill room.  Nearby, a 7,000-square-foot banquet room will be built to overlook the lake and fountain.
 
The golf course will see more trees and landscaping, he said. Since it was renovated about three years ago, Heisenbottle said he didn't anticipate any interruption in tee times during construction.
 
Also proposed is a new five-story hotel annex that will contain 160 rooms. It's slated to go in the location of the original dormitory building that was torn down years ago.  "It will be very similar in style to the original hotel," he said.  A 10,000-square-foot ballroom will be built in the location of the current spa.  A new swimming pool, flanked with cabanas, will take the place of the old one on the south side of the property. There will be a new poolside grill and bar. Nearby will be a large event lawn with a wedding gazebo.
 
There will be a new tennis area with two courts built atop the underground garage on the east side of the property. The existing courts will be replaced with an 18,000-square-foot, two-story health spa overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.  The three cottages will be renovated and the new green shingle roof "will be fixed forever," Heisenbottle said.
 
The Cabana Club, the resort's beach club on Sand Key, will be demolished and in its place will be an eight-story hotel with 57 units, a new pool and a dozen or so cabanas. The second floor may contain a seafood restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Plans call for a boat to shuttle guests back and forth across the Intracoastal Waterway.  Heisenbottle's presentation drew plenty of applause.
 
Ed Jameson, vice president of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, applauded the developer's plans, but worried about closing the hotel for up to two years during renovations.  "Hotels and other vacant property can be more vulnerable to damage from fire, gas, water, electrical, hurricanes and vandalism during renovations," he said. He suggested either the town or Legg Mason provide 24-hour, round-the-clock security for the property.
 
(READERS PLEASE NOTE!  The Belleview Biltmore Hotel will be open for some 18 months before any major renovation plans begin!!  It will NOT close until May 2009. So rest assured you may STILL make reservations for vacations, meetings, conferences, weddings for many months! http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com
 
 
http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20070927/biltmore.html  
Click above link for TWO LARGE jpg renderings of the new designs for the Biltmore, pool area and new entrance      Clearwater Gazette September 27, 2007
Belleair Commission Views Plans For Restoring Historic Treasure  
by Anne McKay Garris
Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason, shared his company's vision of creating a true historic renovation.   "We envision," he said, "that this will be a resort and convention center which can compete nationally."   But it will be much more. While restoring the facade and ambiance of the historic hotel, the company plans to make it an environmentally friendly property. They will not only place all of the parking underground, they will operate the hotel in keeping with the best environmental practices using energy efficient methods approved by the environmental organization, Leaves.
 
Richard Heisenbottle, a Coral Gables architect whose firm specializes in historical restoration, is the architect for the project. He described some of the major changes contemplated.   "We choose difficult projects," he said. "They are so much fun."   The four Victorian style "cottages" on the campus will be restored and used for meeting spaces or rentals, "Maybe a wedding party would like to rent one of them for the week-end," said Heisenbottle. Also retained and restored will be the popular Tiffany Room and the downstairs pub. A five star dining room will be added.
 

TV Bay News 9 Laurie Davison and CBS channel 10/12 also did interviews about Legg Mason's renovation plans and with our vice president Ed Jameson, but did NOT have any online articles to read or view but we thank them for their coverage.
 
 
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=2E0A169631E953A2281162583EC11C00?contentId=4406230&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1  Click link for full story  September 19, 2007
 
FOX 13 TV NEWS  Our vice president Ed Jameson was also interviewed for the TV segment the video clip is not available online.  They did show a jpg photo of the drawing for the renovations on TV  September 19, 2007
 
"We believe that we have designed a project which honors Belleair's past, and which will make the community extremely proud," said Joseph Penner, with Legg Mason, the group that designed the project.
 
http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBXIRMQS6F.html  Click link for full story TAMPA TRIBUNE   September 20, 2007
Belleview Biltmore Buyers Vow $100 Million Facelift
 
The restoration will be environmentally friendly and in keeping with federal preservation standards, said Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles, which bought the resort in June for more than $30 million.
 
http://www.pinellascounty.org/inside_pinellas.htm  Thanks to Kay Norred of our local Pinellas County TV station for interviewing our vice president Ed Jameson at the Biltmore entrance in regards to the new renovation plans.  Click the link and then click on: Inside Pinellas streaming video.   The Biltmore segment is about five minutes into the show.
 
And last but not least, thanks to Jack Harris radio host of 970 WFLA for announcing ahead of time the meeting in Belleair for the renovation plans. 
 
CELEBRITY ELLEN DEGENERES
Thanks to Biltmore supporter and Clearwater Gazette reporter Renee Burrell for telling me about this! Celebrity and TV talk show hostess Ellen DeGeneres is sponsoring a contest in which she is on the hunt for America's best hometown! Will it be Belleair's where the famous and now saved Belleview Biltmore Hotel is!?  You can help Ellen choose Yes to Belleair by voting online at
http://ellen.aol.com/profile/fl/belleair/claim+to+fame/largest+occupied+wooden+structure/   Just vote "yes" near the photo where it says "I like this profile"  You can help Belleair and its Victorian Belleview Biltmore become famous and bring in tourists long into the future!
 
http://clearwatergazette.com/20071004/cabana.html    Clearwater Gazette October 4, 2007 
Musicians Help Provide Fun Filled Nights at the Cabana Grill
By Renee Burrell
 
If you are up for a night of top-shelf dining and dancing, head over to the Cabana Grill on Sand Key. (Readers, the Cabana Grill is part of the Biltmore Hotel) You may have heard about French Chef Alain's menu there, but did you know about the live music and dancing? A musical duo comprised of vocalist Carol Mitchell, who many remember from the Clearwater Beach Hotel, and talented musician Eric Enfield, who sings and plays keyboards, guitar, and drums, make up "Two for the Show". Mitchell and Enfield play a variety of pop, blues, jazz and R & B standards nightly from 7-11 p.m.
 
HOLIDAYS AT THE BILTMORE
There are many very festive days and nights planned for the upcoming holiday season!  Be sure to click on the links and participate or stay at the Belleview Biltmore for any or all of them!
 
THANKSGIVING AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:  Thursday, November 22, 2007
For more details and the menu click here:
http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/Thanksgiving.html
 
CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:  Tuesday, December 25, 2007
For more details, special Victorian package and the menu click here:  
http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/Christmas.html
 
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:  Tuesday, December 31, 2007
For more details, special weekend package and the menu click here: 
http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/NewYearsEve.html
 
OUR ONLINE GIFT STORE:
Be sure to order your gold or silver charm of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel at our beautiful and extensive Online Gift Shop:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  We also offer Biltmore T-shirts and watercolor prints.  The Christmas and Hanukkah holiday season is only two months away, so shop early for friends and family! 
 
NEW FUND RAISING IDEA!
We are now offering a brand new and exciting option for fund raising to help us promote the Biltmore! YOU can just send us a jpg file of your family, pets, children, club or favorite vacation photo, and WE will put it on a T-shirt, tote bag OR a sugar cookie!  You may also put text on them too like a person's name! You may order one T-shirt or tote bag at a time or as many as you want with your OWN photo!!  We have a minimum order of one dozen sugar cookies with YOUR own family, pet, club or vacation photo. The cookies have edible icing that will show your photo beautifully.  See our online store for more ordering information and sample pictures of how to put your own family photos on T-shirts, tote bags and our edible photo sugar cookies.
 

Custom T-shirt

Custom tote bag
 
Custom edible photo cookie


BILTMORE ROOF:
At the Code Enforcement Meeting Tuesday October 30, 2007 it was decided that the Biltmore roof will be removed and replaced when the hotel closes May 2009.
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/103107_bee-01.txt
  Belleair Bee
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Belleview Biltmore to close May 2009
"After some brief confusion regarding the target completion date, the board voted unanimously to amend their previous compliance order and grant Legg Mason until Nov. 1, 2009 to bring the roof up to code with the proviso that the construction management team returns Nov. 1, 2008 with a progress report."  Click link above to read full article.
 
NEW BILTMORE SUPPORTERS:
We welcome all new Biltmore supporters to my mailing list and especially Albert Sorrie, all the way from Greenock, Scotland!  Mr. Sorrie has stayed at the Biltmore and wrote us that he and his family had a lovely time.
 
CLOSING COMMENTS
The White Queen of the Gulf has an exciting future ahead for her with these beautiful new renovation plans.  Beautiful dreams do come true when people and persistence work together.
 
Sincerely,
 

Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.savethebiltmore.com
 
P.S.
MEMBERSHIPS

Click here and join us right now or give a membership gift, perfect for the holidays.
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 

Biltmore Update, Wednesday, September 19, 2007

 
Hello Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others,
 
Just a quick reminder that tonight is the very exciting presentation by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors for the renovation of the beautiful historic and Victorian Belleview Biltmore Hotel into a 4 or 5 star hotel!

For driving directions to the Belleair Town Hall at 902 Ponce de Leon Blvd. at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday September 19, click here:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=901+Ponce+de+Leon+Blvd.&city=Belleair&state=Fl&zipcode=33756
 
Bring your family, friends and neighbors!
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.savethebiltmore.com
 

Biltmore Update, Sunday, September 16, 2007
 
Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:
 
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL RENOVATION PLANS TO BE UNVEILED THIS WEEK!
Wonderful news! 
Legg Mason Real Estate Investors will be coming to Belleair THIS coming Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30 to present their renovation plans for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  Tom Reynolds, attorney for Legg Mason, stated at a Belleair September 5, 2007 meeting that an approximate $100 million renovation is planned! "We know the Biltmore has been an integral piece of the community's history and we look forward to working with the city on a plan that preserves it for future generations," said Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/06/Northpinellas/New_owner_to_save_hot.shtml   Quote from article by Lorri Helfand of the St. Petersburg Times
June 11, 2007.  We hope you can come to this most exciting night to hear all the details!
 
To read the complete article in the Belleair Bee by Harlan Weikle, click here:
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/091207_bee-03.txt  
Belleair Bee

Biltmore renovation plans to be unveiled   

For driving directions to the Belleair Town Hall at 902 Ponce de Leon Blvd. at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday September 19, click here:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=901+Ponce+de+Leon+Blvd.&city=Belleair&state=Fl&zipcode=33756
 
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
For two other newspaper articles since my last Biltmore Update click here:
http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20070823/belleair.html 
Clearwater Gazette August 23, 2007
Town Council Moves to Protect Green Space, Promises to Work With Hotel Owners
By
Renee Burrell
 
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/082207_bee-01.txt    Belleair Bee August 22, 2007
Biltmore owner raises land use stakes  
By
Harlan Weikle
 
OUR ONLINE GIFT SHOP:
Be sure to order your gold or silver charm of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel at our beautiful and extensive Online Gift Shop:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  We also offer Biltmore T-shirts and watercolor prints.  The Christmas and Hanukkah holiday season is only a few months away, so shop early for friends and family!
 
PINELLAS COUNTY HISTORIC TASK FORCE MEETING:
The Board of County Commissioners in Pinellas County adopted the creation of the Historic Preservation Task Force to review, analyze and facilitate the implementation of preservation policies for historically significant structure, neighborhoods, districts and improvements throughout the County. The next meeting is: September 20th, 2007
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Pinellas County Courthouse
4th floor Conference Room
Clearwater
Phone-- 727.464.3278
 
FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY:
If you live in Florida, be sure to visit this web site called: Florida Hometown Democracy: http://www.floridahometowndemocracy.com/
This statement is from their web site and they have petitions available to print out and sign: "A grass-roots, non-partisan group who recognize that putting the people in charge of the places where they live is key to a sustainable future of our state!  The Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment seeks to take this faith in the people and make the current land use system more accountable by giving the power over certain land use changes (comprehensive plan amendments) to the voters."
http://www.floridahometowndemocracy.com/documents/FHD_Petition2-Final.pdf
 
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL AND WEB SITE:
Established in 1897, the Belleview Biltmore bestows Southern hospitality and unparalleled elegance on all those who come in contact with her. The Belleview provides Victorian accommodations, a world-class golf club, soothing spa, a dazzling beach club and legendary customer services. A true Queen of the Gulf, the Belleview Biltmore makes every day an unforgettable feast for the senses. For more information and to book a reservation, wedding, meeting etc., please call (800) 237-8947, or log onto http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com.
 
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
This week will be a most exciting one as the White Queen of the Gulf is about to be transformed into a 4 or 5 star hotel in the future by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors.  Come share the excitement this Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. and see what plans are in store for this magnificent historic hotel...
now that it is saved!
 
Sincerely,
 

Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, a nonprofit organization
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com

Save the Biltmore Preservationist Membership Photos, Wednesday, August 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:
 
As I wrote in my last Biltmore Update today, enclosed are the photos of our newly designed Biltmore T-shirt, tote bag, sterling silver and gold charm items for our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  They are part of just some of the gifts that you will receive when you become a member of our organization.  We offer Copper $50, Bronze $100, Silver $250, Gold $500 and Platinum $1,000 Copper $50, Bronze $100, Silver $250, Gold $500 or Platinum $1000.
 
These items shown in the photo also may be purchased separately at our online gift shop.  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  An honorary one-year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any of our special Biltmore jewelry!
 
There are many other gifts you may choose from when you become a member.  To view the main membership page which shows photos of all the various gift selections and a photo of both the blue and sepia parchment certificate, click this link and become a member today!  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 
Please note that most nonprofit organizations do NOT give gifts or certificates when you join them, so our memberships are very special.  
 
Your membership donation will help us continue to do the work to help preserve it forever.  Become a proud patron member today!
 
Click here and join us right now!  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, a nonprofit organization
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com     
 
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 
Attachments:  Biltmore membership and online shop items

Biltmore Update, Wednesday, August 22, 2007
 
 
Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:
 
A very warm thank you to all those who wrote to congratulate and thank my nonprofit organization and me for our work to bring community awareness to the Biltmore and for help in saving this magnificent Victorian hotel from demolition.  I received such a wonderful response from so many of you so thank you very much; it was very heartwarming to hear from so many of you.  As I last wrote in June, your help and support have been invaluable to me personally and to us.
 
A special thanks to Bay News 9 who interviewed us after the final sale of the hotel.  To read the interview click:

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/6/24/264013.html?title=Saving+the+Belleview+Biltmore  

 

As reported in my last Biltmore Update, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors is the purchaser of the Biltmore. The closing was Wednesday, June 20th.   Joseph Penner of Legg Mason will be coming back to Belleair sometime in mid September to present more formal plans.
 
In the meantime be sure to visit the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for any one of their spectacular brunches or spend a day or week at the Biltmore.  The Belleview Biltmore is planning many wonderful and exciting Labor Day activities for THREE days starting Friday, August 31 through Sunday September 2, 2007.  They are having a Pre-party on Friday with a seafood buffet, Saturday a Luau Party with a Luau Buffet and Sunday a Pool Party with a BBQ Buffet.  Click their link to read for times, more details and prices along with their detailed menus:  http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/laborday.html 
 
NEW!! MEMBERSHIPS FOR OUR ORGANIZATION: SAVE THE BILTMORE PRESERVATIONISTS
This is a long time dream come true for me, to offer memberships to our devoted Biltmore supporters to continue our work to help the Biltmore stand tall for another 110 years!  We are very proud to announce these memberships at this time.  So now you can join our nonprofit organization and become a member. Your donation gift will help us continue to preserve and promote the beautiful Victorian, 1897 Belleview Biltmore Hotel, "The White Queen of the Gulf," Belleair, Florida. We will use your membership donations to promote the Biltmore for tourism, conventions, meetings, wedding etc. thereby helping to insure its preservation into the future.
 
You may choose from a Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Membership.  With your one-year  membership, you will receive a beautiful parchment certificate with your name, (choice of blue or sepia to match your decor to hang it in your home, office, store), a fold-over cover with gold embellishment and four die-cut corner slots to hold the certificate in place, perfect to stand on a table or desk.  Your name will be proudly presented on the certificate as a major patron. Actual size of the certificate is:  8.5 by 11 inches. You will be proud to display or hang it showing your support by being a member of our nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  
 
Also there are many choices of gifts for your donation ranging from a watercolor or photo print of the Biltmore, a Biltmore T-shirt, a Biltmore tote bag, silver or gold charm or keychain, tie clasp, tie tack, lapel pin, cufflinks, lady's pin (use two of them for earrings)  mouse pad, email newsletter, "Florida's Grand Hotels from The Gilded Age" (Florida) (Images of America) book by author R. Wayne Ayers, or "The Architecture of Leisure: The Florida Resort Hotels of Henry Flagler and Henry Plant," book by Susan Braden.  
 
Please note that most nonprofit organizations do NOT give gifts or certificates when you join them, so our memberships are very special.  
 
To view the main membership page which shows photos of all the various gift selections and a photo of the blue and sepia parchment certificate click:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 
COPPER MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $50 
For each $50 Copper Membership there are THREE different gift options.  Choose your one-year membership from below:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipCopper.htm
 
BRONZE MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $100
For each $100 Bronze Membership there are THREE different gift options.  Choose your one-year membership from below:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipBronze.htm
 
SILVER MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $ 250
For each $250 Silver Membership there are THREE different gift options. Choose your one-year membership from below:
 
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipSilver.htm
 
GOLD MEMBERSHIPS--DONATION OF $500
Each $500 gold membership includes choice of THREE different gift options. Choose your one-year membership from below:
 
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipGold.htm
 
PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP--DONATION OF $1,000 OR MORE
Each $1,000 or more one-year platinum membership includes twelve gift items. 
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMembershipPlatinum.htm
 
 
If you know someone who loves the Biltmore, give a Save the Biltmore Preservationist memberships gift to him or her!
 
NOTE:  If you choose to purchase any of our Biltmore jewelry at our online gift shop, http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm you will receive an honorary one-year membership to our organization, with choice of certificate color.
 
BILTMORE T-SHIRTS AND TOTE BAGS:
One great way you can help promote the Biltmore and preserve its future is by wearing our new Biltmore T-shirt or carrying our Biltmore tote bag.  They both say:
 
                                        Belleview Biltmore Hotel
                                        Built 1897 - Saved 2007
                                        www.SaveTheBiltmore.com
 
They are only $14.95 and are available at our online gift shop: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm
 
Many people often wrote me asking how they can help us, so now is your chance to promote the Biltmore and be a proud owner of this NEW T-shirt or tote bag.  It is a wonderful way for you to talk about the hotel and also to promote it to your friends and family.  You can be a walking advertisement for this Victorian hotel that is now saved!  The T-shirt is offered in two designs, a photo I personally took of the Biltmore or Biltmore artwork by Janice James.   You can help us promote the Biltmore!
 
PINELLAS COUNTY TASK FORCE MEETING:
The Historic Preservation Task Force for Pinellas County is hosting a workshop to review the progress of the program and review a Draft Ordinance that would establish a Historic Preservation Program for the County.  The current Draft Ordinance is available for review on Pinellas County's Internet page, under Historic Preservation.  The public is welcome to attend this meeting and provide comment on the program.  Two workshops are being held at the following locations and dates:
August 22, 2007, (today at 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.!) Dunedin and August 29 Pinellas Park City.  Click here for addresses and times: http://www.pinellascounty.org/historic/pdf/Announcement.pdf  For further information please contact Commissioner Karen Seel, at (727) 464-3337 or the Pinellas County Planning Dept. at (727) 464-8200
 
JPG ATTACHMENTS
Because some email programs might reject a jpg file, I am sending photos of our T-shirt, tote bag, charm, key chain, lady's pin, tie tack and cuff links under a separate email.   If you don't receive it, simply click on http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm
 
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Become a member of our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists and continue to do YOUR part to preserve and promote this charming historic hotel that you and we love so well.  Yes the hard work is over with to save the Biltmore from demolition, but its future also partially depends on people like you to promote the hotel and participate in its future.  Your membership donation will help us continue to do the work to help preserve it forever.  Become a proud patron member today!
 
Click here and join us right now!  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, a nonprofit organization
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com     
 
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreMemberships.htm
 

Save the Biltmore Update, Friday June 22, 2007


Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:

VICTORY! THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE RESORT AND SPA IS SAVED FROM DEMOLITION!

The battles are over, the war is won...
VICTORY!

What a victory for me, our nonprofit organization, preservationists everywhere, the town of Belleair, Pinellas County, the State of Florida, the community, the country, the world and everyone involved in helping to save the Biltmore! What is so very special is that
ALL FOUR WINGS of the hotel will be saved which I have been fighting very hard to save since I launched my Save the Biltmore web in 2004! My goal was very unlike another "preservationist" who in 2005 originally wanted to tear down two historical wings, the north and south to "save" it. So saving ALL FOUR WINGS is a dream come true for me and a real victory!

As reported in my last Save the Biltmore Update,
Legg Mason Real Estate Investors is the purchaser. The closing was Wednesday, June 20th.

This is a huge victory for our community and your support is so greatly appreciated. For everyone who supported this cause, you helped save a big part of the history of the Town of Belleair and Pinellas County. I and my nonprofit organization are very grateful for your help, your best wishes and your hard work and support. I know many of you have participated at various levels to help save the Biltmore, sending emails of support and ideas for my Save the Biltmore Message Board, writing Belleair officials, purchasing items from our online store, wearing our Save the Biltmore T-shirt, carrying our tote bags, attending commission meetings, giving speeches, suggesting investors to contact to purchase the hotel and the list goes on! So a very very warm thank you for all the support I have received from you to help win this war and become victorious.

A special thank you to my two current directors on our nonprofit board,
Ed Jameson, our organization's vice president and Doug Mann, our secretary treasurer who supported saving all four wings and the reason my nonprofit organization was born! They worked many long hours to help save the Biltmore the past few years. Another special thank you to Barbara Arnold Walters who was with my group for a long time and also helped support and worked toward saving all four wings. Also a special thank you to Linda Helm and Ginny Vass.

I know there were so many of you who contributed time and or emails to the cause so PLEASE know that I appreciate each and everyone. I certainly appreciate all the emails you have sent to me over the past three years. This victory was NOT one person's work to save the Biltmore, it was a great combination of many peoples' efforts to save this wonderful hotel. Many many people were responsible for saving the Biltmore thus far, it was a community effort, and of course I am grateful to the
St. Petersburg Times and Lorri Helfand and Aaron Sharockman who on April 12, 2005 mentioned my Save the Biltmore web site at which time dozens of people wrote me the first few days of that posting to help try to save the Biltmore. Where would we and the Biltmore be today had they not mentioned my web site to gather so many people together for what seemed an impossible mission!???

The written news media besides the Times has been following this story closely since 2004, especially the
Belleair Bee, the Clearwater Gazette and the Tampa Tribune. Many local television and radio stations and magazines have also carried the long story of the saving of the Biltmore since 2004, They have interviewed us also, so we are thankful for all this media coverage and helping our organization bring the message to the public about the importance of saving this beautiful Victorian hotel. To view this HUGE list of publications click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm

Of course a special thank you to Belleair officials who upon the recommendation of Belleair resident and former commissioner
Sam Casella hired preservation attorney Nancy Stroud to write a historic preservation ordinance. It has been extremely gratifying to me that Belleair commissioners supported saving the Biltmore and passed this historic preservation ordinance in the fall of 2005.

ABOUT THE SALE AND WHAT WILL BE DONE TO THE HOTEL IN THE FUTURE:
Here are some recent quotes from the local news media about the sale and future of the hotel and Legg Mason's plans for it.

Belleview Biltmore Sale Finalized By CHARY SOUTHMAYD Belleair Bee Friday, June 22, 2007
http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/062107_bee-07.txt  for complete article

“The fee simple transfer was completed ... Thank goodness,” said
Richard Wilhelm, president and CEO of TRUST Hotels and Resorts, the firm managing the Biltmore, who was closely involved in the process from beginning to end. “I’m delighted Legg Mason has acquired it, and everyone in the community I’ve talked to is looking forward to its future for another hundred years.”

The purchase price was not announced. “We have engaged numerous consultants and historic preservation experts in order to develop a restoration and rehabilitation plan for the property,” said
Joseph Penner, managing director of LMREI, in a June 4 press release.

“This is a very large project, so we want it to be well thought out,” Penner later added during a phone interview from his California office

“We have fought long and hard to save all four wings (of the hotel) since I launched my Web site in 2004, so having succeeded in that goal is very gratifying,” said
Diane Hein, founder of www.SaveTheBiltmore.com. “The reality of its being saved is certainly a joyous occasion for all, and I thank the community for their support during for the past few years.”

The Biltmore remains open for what management hopes will be a busy summer season."


Biltmore Dodges Wrecking Ball  The St. Petersburg Times Wednesday, June 21, 2007
"Officials and others close to the deal say Legg Mason plans to restore the 110 year old Biltmore, removing the unpopular pagoda entrance, redoing the pool and adding underground parking. The resort is on the National Register of Historic Places.


Belleview Biltmore Property Sold By c.j. pollick Clearwater Gazette  Thursday, June 21, 2007http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20070621/biltmore.html

As of Wednesday the 20th of June, 2007, the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and related properties (Belleview Biltmore Golf Club and Beach Cabana Club) were sold by Honeywell Pension Fund to Legg-Mason Corp. Purchase price was not disclosed.
Martin Smith will remain as General Manager of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel (and Cabana Club) while Chuck Eade remains General Manager of the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club. GF Management Group of Philadelphia will oversee management of the hotel assets.


"Commissioners get Biltmore look-see" by Harlan Weikle Belleair Bee June 21, 2007
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/062107_bee-02.txt  Click the link to read it in completion

Commissioner
Karla Rettstatt had a meeting Tuesday with Joseph Penner, LMREI managing director, during which, she said, “I saw preliminary plans for the renovation, however there was no schedule discussed. The owners want to make a presentation of the plans to the public soon.”

Asked after the meeting for details of the plans she had been shown, Rettstatt said that the building would remain intact.

“They are not taking anything down, except the pagoda is gone,” she said, referring to the often criticized discontinuous architectural style of the steel and glass structure erected over the hotel’s entrance by previous owners. Rettstatt said she saw renderings of the pool area, which were beautiful.

She added that it was apparent they intend to restore the hotel, in Belleview Biltmore grand style, replete with signature green roof."

NOTE: Readers it has been reported that in addition to the above,
Legg Mason will save the three Victorian cottages, add a convention center and move the spa.


Editorial by CHARY SOUTHMAYD   Editor of the Belleair Bee June 14, 2007
http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/viewpoints/content_articles/061207_vpt-01.txt  Click link above for full editorial

"Honor the Grand Dame

"Unique, historic, romantic, endangered.

"The Biltmore exudes romance, with its lush grounds complete with the treasured heart tree on the south lawn near the one-time carriage entrance where countless couples have vowed to love, honor and cherish. Weddings remain big business at the Biltmore. A window view on the main floor allows visitors to watch fabulous wedding cakes being created. You can feel the anticipation of love’s promise in the air.

"Go by and visit, enjoy Sunday brunch, relax and sip a beverage out on the veranda. To save the Biltmore is to honor what is worth keeping. We take pride in her past and hope that when once again fabulous, the community will embrace the Biltmore as an integral part of our future."


NEW WATERCOLOR DESIGN BILTMORE T-SHIRTS AND TOTE BAG AVAILABLE TODAY!
We are offering NEW watercolor design T-shirts, tote bags AND prints by renowned artist Janice James.
This beautifully designed rendition of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Belleair, Florida was designed by former St. Petersburg artist,
Janice James, whose specialty is Florida architecture, from small quaint beach houses to historic landmarks, landscapes, seascapes and private homes done in the traditional manner. Limited edition prints have been made of several landmarks in St. Petersburg and Tampa including not only the Biltmore but the Vinoy and the Don Cesar Hotels in St. Petersburg.. She now is retired in Sun City, Florida with her husband of 55 years. She has three daughters and one granddaughter. Mrs. James has been painting since the age of nine and has studied at the Ringling Art School in Sarasota, Florida and the University of Miami on an art scholarship. She became a commercial artist designing layouts and illustrating fashions for newspaper advertising. She is a Signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society. Her paintings have won recognition, which includes: Best of Show and first prizes in Miami, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. We sincerely thank Mrs. James for letting us use her beautiful watercolor to help us to continue to promote and preserve the Biltmore.

We also have NEW T-shirts and tote bags with the PHOTO of the Biltmore on them. Some people have requested a photo vs artwork, so we are offering both now! The photo used on these T-shirts and tote bags is from the front of my web page http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  

So order your new T-shirt or tote bag or
Mrs. James' beautiful Biltmore watercolor print: 8 by 10 inch $55, or 11 by 14 inch $75, 13 by 19 inch $95 today! To see the new design and print by this renowned watercolorist and order it click here: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm  How lovely her artwork will look hanging in your home, office, studio, library or retail location since the Biltmore is now saved! The T-shirt and tote bags are only $14.95 plus a small shipping charge.

We also have
Tony Blue's Biltmore artwork series such as "Gardenias on the Veranda" so be sure to look at his beautiful work also at our online store.


THE FUTURE FOR OUR ORGANIZATION AND THE BILTMORE:
Many people have written me in the past few weeks as to what direction our nonprofit organization will take now that the Biltmore is saved. Our future plans are to
PROMOTE the Biltmore to the community, around the country and around the world to bring more awareness, tourism, meetings and conventions to the Biltmore. I will be keeping my http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  web site up permanently, and our online store is open 24 hours a day! We will use those monies collected from our online store to help promote and preserve the hotel in the future. So you can help us continue this promotion just as you have helped us in the past. Tell everyone the story of the Biltmore and shop at our online store. We have no financial connection with the new ownership group, and we wish them much success of course! Our sole purpose is to insure the perpetual care, promotion and preservation of the structure itself.

In about two weeks I'll be announcing something
entirely new that our nonprofit organization will be offering so be sure to keep reading my Biltmore Updates!

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
I have been looking forward to this day after three long, hard years of: sending and receiving thousands of emails from supporters, time looking for investors/hoteliers to buy the Biltmore, hours updating and adding to my Save the Biltmore web site, starting a nonprofit organization and the list goes on and on the tasks my nonprofit organization and I have done to help save the Biltmore! So this week is one of the happiest occasions of my life. My nonprofit organization and I are most excited to launch the next phase of continuing to promote and preserve the Biltmore! History is now saved as well as a beautiful hotel,
"The White Queen of the Gulf."

In saving the golden treasures of the past, we bank on enriching the present and the future.

So....

The battles are over
The war is won
The Biltmore is saved
Pop the cork
Pour the champagne and
CELEBRATE!

Sincerely,


Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
            
 

Click to see the NEW HEADING of my web page! It's grand!
  http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com 

Note:  NEW links on the home page are up now to reflect the saving of the Biltmore.  If you ever want to go back to the original web page from the year 2004 to 2007 before the sale click: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreHotelOriginalPage.htm  This link is accessible from the new home page also.

 


Save the Biltmore Update, Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Dear Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Others:

There is wonderful and exciting news to report.....at last!  Four local newspapers, the St. Petersburg Times, the Belleair Bee, the Clearwater Gazette and the Tampa Tribune have reported that there will be a sale of the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa to Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, (Los Angeles) by the end of this June!  More information will be given at that time in one of my Updates after the sale goes through, but they are promising historic restoration and preservation and plan on making the Biltmore a 4 to 5 star hotel!   This of course is a dream come true for me, my nonprofit organization and many preservationists to save ALL FOUR WINGS OF the hotel from demolition and restore it!


FIRST FRIDAYS     (Info from the web site of the Belleview Biltmore)
First Fridays at the Biltmore
Complimentary wine (wines change every month) and cheese tasting every FIRST FRIDAY of the month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  No reservations required.   Drawing for dinner for two at CGB or the Palm Grill or a Palm Grill brunch.

For more information about the Belleview Biltmore or First Fridays call 727-373-3000.

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT   (Info from the web site of the Belleview Biltmore)
Historic Ghost Tours
Tours: 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.  During the course of the tour, the hotel will tell you its many amazing stories and experience real parapsychology, the science pertaining to the investigation of the paranormal phenomena.  Prices are $25.00 for adults, $20.00 for military personnel, members of law enforcement, senior citizens, and college students, and $15.00 for children ages 7-12. Children under the age of 7 are welcome and free of charge.   For groups of 10 or more you receive a $5.00 per person discount making the individual price $20.00. For further information on tours, please call our Paranormal Investigative Specialists at (800) 237-8947 or (727) 373-3000

Below is information from the Belleview Biltmore Marketing Manager Rob Richute from the oldest date to the newest date of his press releases.  Mr. Richute is doing a wonderful job of creating new activities and promotions for the hotel so be sure to read through all of them and participate in one or more of the events.  There is something for EVERYONE in this list including many upcoming Fourth of July celebrations so come to the Biltmore!

Feb 26, 2007
INTRODUCING THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE’S NEW LOBBY BAR MENU & NEW HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
CLEARWATER, FL – Combining intimacy and an old-fashioned luxury appearance, the Lobby Bar at the Belleview Biltmore is available to all visitors of the resort and serves quality national and international wines, spirits, and beers, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and a variety of tasty treats.  The Lobby Bar introduced a new menu and happy hour specials.

The new food menu and the bar’s happy hour specials have been created to better suit the needs of its guests.  The following specials apply:

Monday: Sushi Bar .50 cents a piece, Sauvignon Blanc $4.00 a glass.  
Tuesday: Fish Tacos $1.50 each, Coronas $2.50 each.  
Wednesday: BBQ Ribs 3 for $2.00, Domestic Draft Beer $2.00 each.  
Thursday: Sliders 3 for $4.00, Well Drinks $3.00 each.
Friday: Fish Fry $4.00, Chardonnay $4.00 a glass.  

Happy hour is Monday through Friday between the hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  One can also enjoy great eats from the new Lobby Bar menu like Hotel favorites, the flame broiled angus beef Tiffany Burger and The Starlight Grouper Sandwich.

March 15, 2007
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE ACES TENNIS COURT REJUVENATION
CLEARWATER, FL – The tennis courts at the Belleview Biltmore have received a facelift.  Thanks to the help of the Belleview Biltmore’s new Tennis Pro Stephen Phillips, the clay courts at the Biltmore have been newly refurbished with 22.4 tons of red clay, returning the 4 courts to their original exquisiteness.  In addition to the refurbished grounds, the facilities are being updated with new screens and landscaping.  A complete remodeling of the tennis shop will follow these improvements.

The resort plans on offering a plethora of new membership options, clinics for all age and skill levels.  Leagues are beginning to form now and a junior summer camp is scheduled to begin this summer.

Most of the improvements can be credited to the Biltmore’s new Tennis Pro Stephen Phillips.  Phillips was a former touring pro for nine years and has a vast history in the sport.  Some of his accomplishments include holding the NCAA school singles record at Division I University of Rhode Island, he is also a former tennis coach at Brown University, was the hitting partner of Ivan Lendl a former #1 ranked player, he also taught Jill Craybas, a top 50 pro for the last 10 years.

For more information on the Belleview Biltmore Tennis facilities call 727-373-3000 or call Stephen Phillips at 727-520-6397.

April 27, 2007
THE BABE’S POKER NIGHT AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
CLEARWATER, FL – The historic Belleview Biltmore Resort located in Clearwater is pairing up with TreasureChestPoker.com to offer its guests and local Clearwater residents a chance to play free poker in the hotel’s newly rejuvenated St. Andrew’s Pub.
Beginning May 3rd and continuing every Thursday, Treasure Chest Poker will host two poker tournaments a night starting at 7 p. m. & 10 p.m.  The tournaments are free to play, and players at the Pub will have a chance to qualify for the Florida Poker Championship.  Players will also be collecting points while playing.  Points accumulate to win great prizes like a monthly prize from Treasure Chest Poker that includes a trip for two to Las Vegas.

For years rumors have circulated Clearwater’s Belleview Biltmore Resort that characters like Babe Ruth and Al Capone used to frequent St. Andrew’s Pub.  Throughout the years the pub has also been known as the Bimini Room and Dutch Room and was a favorite hang out spot for the Biltmore’s neighbors.  In recent years the Pub has been only open on weekends and special occasions until now.  Beginning the first week of May, St. Andrew’s Pub will be open Tuesday through Saturday with specials and activities happening every night.  The Pub will be open from 3 p.m.  until 2 a.m. and will offer a variety of beverages.  Food can also be ordered through the Palm Grill.

For more information about joining a league with Treasure Chest Poker go to http://www.TreasureChestPoker.com

May 3, 2007
NURSE NIGHT SPECIAL BEGINNING MAY 9TH AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE’S REJUVINATED ST. ANDREW’S PUB, CLEARWATER, FL –
The historic Belleview Biltmore Resort will offer a special night at St. Andrew’s Pub solely dedicated to those in the medical field.  Beginning Wednesday, May 9th and continuing on a weekly basis, Wednesdays will be known as “Nurses Night” at St. Andrew’s Pub.
When asked about the addition of Nurses night F&B Director Dennis Beaton commented “We would like to cater to the enormous work force at Morton Plant Mease Hospital and several nursing homes in our general area.”  The Pub plans on offering a complimentary glass of house wine to patrons with a valid medical ID. The pub will also be showing medical related television shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scrubs,” “ER,” and “House.”  “We will have a collection of medical dramas on hand as well as our regular cable programming at the request of our guests,” said Beaton.

May 7, 2007
INTRODUCING BELLEVIEW BILTMORE UNIVERSITY
CLEARWATER, FL – The Belleview Biltmore has been host to many events and special occasions over its 110-year history. After being a ballroom dancing venue, a movie set, and even an occupied military base, now the Biltmore can be associated with an educational institute.  Beginning on Wednesday, May 16 the Biltmore will offer an “Introduction to Hospitality Management” course.

The Belleview Biltmore is proud to offer hospitality professionals and students interested in the hospitality field the opportunity to advance their education.  Students will have the opportunity to learn from the perspective of some of the best senior managers in the industry including companies like Walt Disney World, Carnival Cruise Lines, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, TRUST Hotels and Tampa International Airport.  

Classes begin May 16th and end on August 29th running from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  All classes will be located the Belleview Biltmore Resort in Clearwater.  The hotel has said they will gladly offer this course at an additional time frame (morning or early afternoon) to meet increased demand and accommodate alternate schedules. Participants will receive a BBU logo T-shirt and a framed certificate upon successful course completion.  Students may also apply for college credit.  

To sign up for future classes or for more information call 727-373-3000 and ask for the Human Resources department.

May 30, 2007
CLEARWATER'S WEEK LONG JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
CLEARWATER, FL - Clearwater's July 4th celebration is a week-long event at the Belleview Biltmore Resort. The historic resort invites guests and the public to attend its week-long festivities that include activities for all ages, friends and families. Events are focused around the resort's waterfall-pool and include special holiday menus, live music, all day drink specials, special seafood and BBQ buffets, even poker nights and a festive night of Karaoke in the St. Andrew's Pub.

No Clearwater Independence Day is complete without fireworks, and the resort offers great views of the firework displays. Guests and the public are invited to watch the fireworks, starting at dusk, from the resort's dock or from its Beach Club on Sand Key, where more special events are held at the Cabana Grill & Sunset Bar.

"The week-long celebration allows us all to get together to honor the great events that founded this country. Recall and honor its defenders and renew our understanding of the how blessed we are to be free," said Martin Smith, Managing Director and VP. " The Beach Club on Sand Key is an ideal location to view the city's spectacular displays without the overwhelming crowds. We look forward to making our pool terrace, beach and facilities available to our neighbors."

Every year the resort's events continue to expand. Rob Richute, Marketing Manger noted that "Each year we try to improve on what people really enjoy from prior years and add new items to make this holiday week event more fun." he noted. " This year we have expanded to a seven day event, adding some new items such as karaoke night, poker tournament and special menus at pool side. It really is a week with something for everyone, all ages." To find out more you can view the full schedule at  contact the resort's holiday hotline at (727) 373-3768

This year's events are all planned around pool parties at the hotel's waterfall pool area. Some of the scheduled events will include:

Friday, June 29th ~ GET READY POOL PARTY Holiday menus, Live DJ, drink specials, complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and a Victorian Seafood Buffet.

Saturday, June 30th ~ ANNUAL POOL PARTY! Holiday Menus, Live DJ, Drink Specials, and the resort's famous "Victorian Prime Rib Buffet"

Wednesday, July 4th ~ POOL PARTY & FIREWORKS. Yahoo! Holiday Menus, Live DJ, drink specials and FIREWORKS!  Watch the fireworks at sundown from the resort's docks or on the beach at the Cabana Grill & Bar or Sunset Bar, Sand Key

Thursday, July 5th ~ POOL & POKER! Drink specials, Live DJ and FREE Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament

Friday, July 6th ~ POOL, SEAFOOD & KARAOKE Drink specials, Live DJ, Seafood Buffet and karaoke at St. Andrew's Pub

Saturday, July 7th ~ THE POOL TURNS INTO MARGARITAVILLE! Margarita specials, Live DJ ~ 4:00 to 8 P.M. Prime Rib Buffet and Ghost Tours.

For reservations at the Belleview Biltmore, please call (727) 373-3768 or visit
http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com
 
June 6, 2007  
SINGLES NIGHT AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE’S REJUVINATED ST. ANDREW’S PUB
CLEARWATER, FL – The historic Belleview Biltmore Resort will offer a special night at St. Andrew’s Pub solely dedicated to those living the “single” life.  Beginning Tuesday, June 12th and continuing on a weekly basis, Tuesdays and Saturdays will be known as “Singles Night” at St. Andrew’s Pub.  The Pub is also open from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m  and will offer a variety of beverages.


As you can see from Mr. Richute's announcements above, there is always plenty to do at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel!  Book a room now for a vacation or come to one of the events listed above.  The Biltmore is a wonderful place to have fun, relax and be with family or friends or a romantic getaway.  What will make the Biltmore a success in the long run is PEOPLE!  Lots of them!

From our nonprofit online store, order a silver or gold Biltmore charm or some beautiful artwork TODAY.  We want to expand community awareness of this beautiful hotel so you can help us promote and preserve the Biltmore by ordering items on our online store.  http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
I launched my Save the Biltmore web site in 2004 when I first learned of the Biltmore's possible demolition.  So it has been a long hard road to saving the Biltmore, but this is all behind us now with the sale going through this month.  

There is an exciting road ahead for this beautiful Victorian hotel.  YOU can help us preserve it for future generations by going there, shopping online at our store, or telling everyone you know about it!

Sincerely,


Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, a nonprofit organization
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com

 

Save the Biltmore Update Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Dear Save the Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Others:

There is no new news to report regarding the sale of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, the contract is still pending with Legg Mason Real Estate Investors and the current hotel owner.

The following information is from Rob Richute, Marketing manager for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel,

BELLEVIEW BILTMORE TO OFFER TENNIS CAMP

CLEARWATER, FL – The Belleview Biltmore will be bringing life to their newly renovated tennis courts, by inviting kids to come out and play this summer. 

The Belleview Biltmore’s new Tennis Summer Camp is designed to stimulate and challenge children of all levels, age groups, and abilities. The new Tennis Pro Stephen Phillips will use drills, games, and instructional teaching aids to incorporate fun and training into their summer plans.

The camp will begin May 21st and run through August 17th.  The day will start around 9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm.  It’s just $200 a week or $40 day.  Your child will also have a chance to play volleyball, soccer, or go swimming in the Biltmore’s huge outdoor pool, and if the weather is unpleasant, they will enjoy a movie alongside their new friends.  The summer camp will also provide complimentary boxed lunches to campers.  These box lunches will include a sandwich, fruit, chips, cookies, and a drink.

 For more information on the Belleview Biltmore Tennis facilities call 727-373-3000 or call Stephen Phillips at 727-520-6397.


Sincerely,


Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com


Thursday, April 5, 2007
 
Dear Save the Biltmore Supporters, News Media and Others:
 
For those of you who live outside the area and have not heard yet, there is wonderful news about Biltmore!
 
Two local newspapers, The St. Petersburg Times and the Belleair Bee have reported that there is a contract to purchase the Biltmore with Legg Mason Real Estate Investors Inc., Los Angeles, California. 
 
"Executives with Legg Mason Real Estate Investors would not disclose the proposed purchase price or the closing date, but said in a written statement they had a contract to buy the resort and intend to preserve the 110-year-old hotel."  St. Petersburg Times article by Rita Farlow, March 9, 2007.
 
Harlan Weikle of the Belleair Bee reported on March 15 in his article that Legg Mason's "Number one goal is to devise an economically feasible plan to rehabilitate and restore this landmark property.”
 

The following information is from Rob Richute, Marketing Manager of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel:
 
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE TO SELL EASTER BUNNY COTTAGES
 
CLEARWATER, FL - This Easter, the historic Belleview Biltmore’s pastry shop is decorated with Easter bunny cottages designed by award winning pastry chef Nomeda Baronas.
 
The edible gingerbread houses will be for sale at the resort beginning March 30h for $25 a house.
 
The Biltmore’s Easter Buffet takes place Sunday, April 8th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m Followed by an Easter egg hunt at 12:30. 1:30 & 2:30. Cost for the feast is $39.95 for adults and $17.95 for children (12 and under). Price includes tax and gratuities. Children under 3 eat free.  Seating will be on the hour every hour with the first seating at 11 a.m. and the last at 3 p.m.
 
To make your Easter Buffet reservations, please call 1-800-237-8947.  For reservations at the Belleview Biltmore, please call (727) 373-3000 or visit http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com.    
 
Established in 1897, the Belleview Biltmore bestows Southern hospitality and unparalleled elegance on all those who come in contact with her. The Belleview provides Victorian accommodations, a world-class golf club, soothing spa, a dazzling beach club and legendary customer services. A true Queen of the Gulf, the Belleview Biltmore makes every day an unforgettable feast for the sense. For more information please call (800) 237-8947, or log onto http://www.BelleviewBiltmore.com

Be sure to order your gold or silver charm of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel at our online store:
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreStore.htm
 
Sterling silver:  $ 75.00
               
Gold over sterling:  $100.00
               
14 Karat Gold:  $400.00
               
14 Karat Rose Gold:  $450.00 
 

Happy Easter everyone!
 
Sincerely,
 

Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com

 
Save the Biltmore Update, Saturday, January 13, 2007
 
 
Dear Save the Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Others:
 
 
A BILTMORE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
 
The Belleview Biltmore Hotel is celebrating its 110th birthday TOMORROW,  Monday, January 15th, 2007!  Be there to join in the festivities!
 
Here is the information from Martin Smith, V.P. and Managing Manager of the Biltmore:
 
 
Who?  The Belleview Biltmore Resort Beach Club, Golf Club & Spa
 
What?  110th Birthday Bash, free entrance, complimentary hor'dourves and wine, door prizes and more!
 
When?  Monday, January 15th 2007, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
 
Where?  In the hotel's Tiffany Ballroom
 
Why?  To celebrate 110 years of excellence!
 
  
Belleview Biltmore
25 Belleview Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-373-3000
 
RECENT NEWS ARTICLES ON THE BILTMORE: 
 
To read an article about the Biltmore in our local Tampa Tribune by reporter Carlos Moncado, dated January 3, 2007 click the link below:
 
"Belleair's Proud Empress Soldiers On Belleair's Proud Empress Soldiers On"
The fountains still splash and the guests still enjoy all the amenities of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa in spite of the cloud of possible demolition looming over the hotel.
http://www.tbo.com/pinellas/MGBN4A5AHWE.html
 
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, be sure to pick up a copy of the Tampa Bay Magazine, there was a three-page article about the Biltmore, its history, owners and its current status.
 
 
Happy New Year everyone and celebrate the Biltmore's birthday tomorrow at this beautiful, historic Victorian hotel!
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Diane Hein
President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists
http://www.SaveTheBiltmore.com

 


December 7, 2006

Dear Save the Biltmore Supporter, News Media and Other:

Some email programs do not accept jpg. attachments so I am sending this Save the Biltmore Shopping Update as a separate email instead of including it in last week's Update.  We have a wonderful online shopping store where you can purchase beautiful gifts via a credit card, PayPal or you may mail in a check.  Here are some of the wonderful items that will make your holiday shopping easy, quick and fun!

1. ARTWORK OF LOCAL ARTIST, TONY BLUE
Local artist,Tony Blue is giving 20% of the proceeds for the sale of his beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel art series to our Save the Biltmore Preservationists nonprofit fund.   Limited edition (150 maximum) giclée prints on canvas come stretched, signed and numbered, mixed media and ready to frame. Each one is numbered, marked and signed by the artist.  To see larger photo, click on each photo below.    Shipping costs will be refunded if you pick up the print locally or if you prefer, Tony will deliver your print for just $10 if you live in Pinellas County.

You may pay online via credit card or PayPal after you click the "Add to Cart" button.

"The White Queen of the Gulf"    (26 x 16 inches - $225)     #6
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmore_6_TheWhiteQueenoftheGulf.htm     

"Gardenias On The Veranda"   (30 x 20 inches - $300)   #7
http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmore_7_GardeniasOnTheVeranda.htm

"Enchanted Lady" (18 x 28 inches - $255)     # 1