Tough Decisions Ahead as Dade City Considers Future of Historic Church Street

The future of one of Dade City’s most cherished neighborhoods is now at the center of a growing debate. The Dade City City Commission is considering a rezoning request that could breathe new life into a historic church or alter the very character of Church Street forever.

At the August 26, 2025 City Commission meeting, commissioners heard emotional testimony, complex legal concerns and passionate public comments regarding a proposed zoning change for the former First Baptist Church property on Meridian Avenue, just off Church Street in Dade City.

The buyer, longtime Dade City resident Steven Smith, is seeking to rezone the 2.66-acre property from Residential Single-Family (RS-2) to Residential Institutional Office (RIO) to preserve the church and repurpose it for community events, worship services and professional office spaces. Smith and his family have been involved in the annual Church Street Christmas for over 25 years and say their intent is to save the historic structure from potential demolition.

Former First Baptist Church building, Aug. 30, 2025. [Photo by Rocco Maglio]

Smith said he wanted to save the building and protect Church Street and his goal is to prevent unwanted businesses that would taint Church Street.

But commissioners weren’t ready to sign off just yet.

Church Street is a street rich in history and architectural charm. While the First Baptist Church buildings themselves are not listed on any historic register, the surrounding neighborhood is emblematic of the city’s cultural identity.

Mayor Scott Black emphasized that this decision carries implications far beyond one property.

“Church Street and our downtown area are two of our crown jewels. People come to Dade City because of the downtown area because of Church Street,” Mayor Black said. He said this is more than just a commission decision, the community needs to be brought into this.

Commissioners expressed concern over the irreversible nature of zoning changes. Once the land is rezoned to RIO, the city would lose control over future uses, which could range from offices to clinics under the RIO designation.

Former First Baptist Church building, Aug. 30, 2025. [Photo by Rocco Maglio]

Commissioner Normita Woodard voiced strong reservations, stating “once this land is changed to RIO, there is no change back.”

“I will not sit here and create a legacy issue for the next commission 20 years from now.”

Woodard emphasized the need to protect the long-term character of the neighborhood and property values for existing residents. “We have to protect this area beyond you. We have to protect this area beyond your children,” Woodard told Smith. “We have to make sure that we are protecting this area for the people who have already worked all of their life and chose to live on Church Street, who have already put in the time, who have already invested and they want to keep this as it is…”

Smith argued that rezoning, paired with voluntary deed restrictions, could preserve the building and prevent less desirable development in the future. Smith proposed adding legal restrictions to ensure the property could not be turned into a hospital or mental health facility, for example.

But deed restrictions cannot be enforced by the city and must come from the property owner, which made commissioners wary of the deed restriction idea. The city has no enforceability on the deed restrictions and the owner or future owners would be able to lift those restrictions.

Commissioner James Shive noted, “…I believe with any project moving forward, you got to have community buy in. And I’m not sure at this point that you have that.”

The commission ultimately agreed to table the decision until Sept. 23, giving the buyer more time to present a detailed plan, clarify deed-restriction language, and build a broader community consensus.

In the meantime, Dade City’s leadership is left with a balancing act: preserve a historic structure and allow some degree of modern adaptation or hold the line to protect the identity of Church Street at all costs.

“There are no easy decisions here,” said Mayor Black. “We can’t craft a plan that’s going to help you, you’ve got to craft a plan that’s going to help the community.”

The Sept. 23 hearing will provide a “full and fair opportunity for all members of the public to speak.”