Euclid Church owners sue St. Petersburg over worship service restrictions

The owners of the historic Euclid Church in St. Petersburg have filed a federal lawsuit against the city, claiming it unlawfully prevented them from holding religious services at the site. WUSF reported that Treehouse Sanctuary, Inc., a nonprofit religious organization established by the owners, filed the suit on October 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

According to the complaint, the city violated constitutional and religious freedom protections by shutting down worship services and other gatherings at the church. The owners say they attempted multiple times to engage city officials, including Mayor Ken Welch and the City Attorney, but received no response.

The church, built in 1926 and located at 919 10th Avenue N., was once a thriving religious institution with about 1,250 attendees at its opening service. After falling into disuse, efforts to redevelop the property have faced numerous setbacks, including neighborhood opposition to previous proposals.

The current owners purchased the property for about $1.1 million, aiming to restore it as a venue for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings while preserving its historic architecture. Despite city staff recommending approval, planning commissions and the City Council deadlocked on the proposal, leaving its status uncertain.