By Lisa Marone
In 1995, Paradise News was founded by two local visionaries – Sarah “Renee” LaFountain Roos of Tampa and Sally Yoder, a lifelong resident of St. Pete Beach. Long before that, the pair were volunteer publishers for the neighborhoods of Pass-a-Grille and Vina Del Mar, brought together by their shared passion for preserving the past. As volunteers, they helped transform the island’s oldest church into what would become a community treasure: The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.
This historic structure was saved from demolition by Washington socialite Joan Haley, who lived in it for years before leaving it to Pinellas County in her will. Renee helped clean and curate the museum’s original exhibits, many of which are still viewable online. Sally served as its first archivist. But on September 26, 2024, Pass-a-Grille was briefly submerged during Hurricane Helene, the first time in over a century. The museum suffered serious damage. Though initial cleanup is complete, full restoration awaits county funding. Plans are emerging: the historic cottage will be elevated, and the storm-damaged “barracks” once used for social gatherings and museum work may be replaced entirely. Sadly, the handcrafted wooden display cases donated by beloved local Alfred Ingram were lost in the aftermath.
While Pinellas County determines its course, the museum’s collections are in temporary storage with Heritage Village. But we, the community, have a role to play right now. The Friends of the Museum need your support. They’re raising funds to build new displays and keep our history alive through events and fundraisers. Thanks to a strong commitment to the community, Paradise Grille reached out to museum volunteer Lisa Marone and offered to join the effort, inviting patrons to “round up” each purchase in support of the museum’s recovery.
You can help too. Here’s how: Donate today to the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. Become a Friend of the Museum. Support local businesses like Paradise Grille that give back. Attend fundraising events and bring a friend. Spread the word… our story is worth saving.
This isn’t just about restoring a building. It’s about honoring our shared identity, preserving the spirit of the beaches, and keeping the past alive for the generations ahead. And we’ve done it before.
Back on July 4th, 1996, over 5,000 people crowded the beach in Pass-a-Grille for a free concert to raise funds for a much-needed new roof on the museum. The band? The Spin Doctors, just two weeks after their first #1 hit. That night, $16,000 was raised in four hours. The roof held strong for 25 years.
Now it’s our turn. Let’s make history again. Get involved today at www.gulfbeacheshistoricalmuseum.org.