ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Magic Beach Motel has stood in St. Augustine as a well-known tourist destination for over 71 years, but soon the charm that it once brought to Vilano Beach will come to an end.
St. Johns County commissioners have debated whether to approve the demolition plan for quite some time, but as of Tuesday, the plan moved forward to bring down the motel that has stood on Vilano Road since 1951.
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The motel’s management, along with a contractor, submitted a demolition permit in January, and developer Rick Johnston unveiled designs and plans to redevelop the site into townhomes.
During Johnston’s presentation to commissioners back in April, county leaders requested more evidence that the building was not salvageable and other problems before making any decisions about its future.
Four months later, the permit was issued for demolition.
“While the County recognizes the Magic Beach Motel’s significance to the Vilano Beach community, it is legally prohibited from denying or conditioning demolition if the requested permit complies with state requirements,” the county said.
Demolition is slated to begin later this year.
