Last May, Florida preservationists were relieved when a bill threatening historic coastal structures stalled in the House. However, similar proposals have reemerged for the current legislative session. The Senate version recently passed its first committee hearing despite opposition.

The bill suggests aging coastal buildings should be demolished if deemed unsafe or lacking flood-resistant features. Both House and Senate bills exempt single-family homes and structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Critics fear the changes could erode the unique character of tourist destinations like Miami Beach, St. Augustine, and Key West.

(source: miamiherald.com, picture: Reid Zura)