Holmes Beach Offers $3 Million to Purchase Storm-Damaged Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
The city of Holmes Beach is moving forward with plans to acquire the former Gloria Dei Lutheran Church property at 6608 Marina Drive, voting to authorize a $3 million offer for the site during a commission meeting held May 27.
The church, which officially closed after its final service on January 18, suffered extensive damage during hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2023. The Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America currently holds the title to the 3-acre property, which includes a 6,437-square-foot facility featuring classrooms, offices, a fellowship hall, and other amenities.
Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of the offer, with Chair Dan Diggins dissenting. Diggins supported a $2.7 million bid, aligning with the higher of two city-commissioned appraisals. WestRock Appraisal Services assessed the value at $2.1 million, while Bluemark Valuation Advisors placed it at $2.77 million. In contrast, the synod’s appraisal valued the land at $9.9 million based on potential redevelopment.
City officials emphasized the importance of securing the parcel for public use, thereby preserving both the site’s unique architectural character and its zoning designation as public or semi-public. The church building, constructed in 1964, has been a landmark in the island community since its congregation formed in 1959.
Support for the acquisition surfaced during public comment. Kelly Stewart, who operates the School for Constructive Play, shared her hope of returning the preschool to the Gloria Dei site. The school previously occupied the space from 2018 until the 2023 hurricanes forced a move to the Center of Anna Maria Island. Resident Gale Tedhams also spoke in favor, envisioning the church as a future venue for cultural and community events.
Holmes Beach officials are exploring financing options. Commissioner Terry Schaefer reported that Hancock-Whitney Bank expressed interest in working with the city on a potential loan. Preliminary discussions suggest a $3 million loan at 4.5% interest could cost about $245,000 annually over 20 years.
City Development Services Director Chad Minor urged prompt action, warning that acquisition opportunities may not last long. City Attorney Erica Augello clarified that any final agreement would still require commission approval following negotiations by Mayor Judy Titsworth.
The commission will reconvene at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed at holmesbeachfl.org.
This isn’t the city’s first look at the property. In 2017, Holmes Beach considered a $105,000 annual loan to purchase part of the land, but negotiations fell apart due to disagreements over residential rezoning and valuation. With the church now closed and the site back on the market, the city is revisiting the opportunity with renewed urgency.
