Hooray For Hollywood!

But Koslow isn't down for the count yet, despite a last-minute hook to the jaw. To comply with storm evacuation rules, the city commission voted last week to cap hotel density for designated commercial properties in the north and central beach area at 50 rooms per acre, or 100 with special commission approval. Always creative, Koslow figures that the Turtle Nest Suites lot actually totals 1.5 acres -- if you consider that the property extends to the centers of surrounding streets. That would enable Hollo to build 150 rooms, if the city commission were to grant a special allowance. Koslow hopes Hollo and the neighbors will be able to compromise on that density.

After repeated delays the commissioners are scheduled to consider Hollo's requested land-use change at their May 5 meeting. Asked whether that vote is critical, Koslow pauses, then says: "I don't predict votes. So many things could happen that could make a difference."

Koslow won't confirm or deny reports that, if he loses that vote, he'll try to convince Hollo to build Turtle Nest Suites on a city-owned golf course near Young Circle -- which, of course, would require more favors from the city, including a favorable lease and a height variance.

But one beach hotel more or less won't make much difference to Koslow, who gets paid whether or not a project goes through. His attention is already wandering to other deals.

"By the way," he says, fidgeting with his cell phone, "did I tell you that it looks like DiMaggio's representative is going to approve my proposal for a plaque of Joe swinging the bat?"

Contact Harris Meyer at his e-mail address: Harris_Meyer@newtimesbpb.com