When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in late 2024, The Islander was left badly damaged. In the months that followed, the board told owners that repair was not an option because of FEMA’s 50% rule — leaving only two paths: rebuild at enormous cost or sell the property.

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That framing has left many owners feeling like there were no real choices. But now a new possibility has surfaced: historic preservation. If The Islander is deemed eligible, the FEMA’s 50% rule no longer applies, and repair becomes an option again. This single step — a simple letter of eligibility — could change everything.

 

​Jordyn Joaquin contacted the Pinellas County Historic Preservation Planner. After hearing The Islander’s story, he said: “You stand a real chance.” He encouraged us to file a preliminary questionnaire and connected us with the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation.

 

​We have moved quickly, gathering old photos, records, and memories dating back to the Dolphin Apartments of 1948. (That was the original name that is now our Islander)  Together, this research formed a Historic Preservation Package that the state has already reviewed positively, even asking for more detail — proof we are on the right path.

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But not everyone has welcomed this progress. The board’s attorney advised the board against pursuing preservation, citing a common misconception that the process would be too costly, time-consuming, too much red tape and ultimately out of reach.

Letters were even issued claiming Lisa Joaquin had no authority to move it forward.  ​However, state preservation officials have clarified that those claims were misleading.

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At their recent meeting, the board voted to follow the attorney’s advice and step away from historic preservation.  When I offered to share documentation showing that preservation is a real and attainable option, the board declined to review it.

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That’s why this website was created — so owners can see the information for themselves. The facts and supporting documents are here, straight from state officials, making it clear that historic eligibility is not only possible but could be the key to saving The Islander.

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​The facts are clear:

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• Any owner may submit a nomination for eligibility.

• Eligibility alone — not just full listing — is enough to gain benefits.

• Preservation does not restrict owners unless federal or state funds are used.

• Because The Islander is fee simple, the owners — not the board or attorney — hold the final say.

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Throughout this site, you’ll find documents, correspondence, and links that verify this — so you can see the proof for yourself.

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The board has announced plans for a special meeting to hold a formal vote on The Islander’s future. Owners will be asked to choose between the following options:

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• Repair the existing buildings, if the Town of North Redington Beach will issue permits,

• Replace the buildings with new construction, or

• Terminate the timeshare, remove the buildings, and sell the property.

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Fortunately, repair has been placed back on the ballot. This matters, because the final determination of whether repair is allowed under FEMA’s 50% rule is still underway. Thanks to new information, including a new appraisal and now the possibility of historic preservation eligibility, the door to repair remains open — even if it has not yet been fully decided.

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Owners are encouraged to keep this in mind when casting their vote. Much progress has been made, and important answers are still coming. Choosing “repair” preserves the possibility of saving The Islander, while other options would close that door for good.

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​​The benefits of historic preservation eligibility are significant: exemption from FEMA’s 50% rule, potential property tax relief for up to 10 years, and greater flexibility with building codes. Most importantly, it keeps repair on the table without adding a significant financial burden on owners.

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The fact is that historic preservation gives us a real chance to save The Islander, preserve its history, and protect our investments. We are no longer limited to “sell or rebuild.” With facts, research, and state support on our side, owners can finally make an informed decision about the future — one that honors the Islander’s past and keeps the choice where it belongs: with us, the owners.