A special exception use application was considered by the Board of Adjustment on Thursday, March 22, 2007. A special exception required for eating and drinking establishments located in the Downtown Business District. This application proposes the renovation of the existing building for use as a restaurant, retail stores and/or office space may also be located in a portion of the existing buildings as allowed in this zoning district. The application was withdrawn by the applicant. However, a revised special exception application and new variance application were considered by the Board of Adjustment at its meeting on May 15, 2008. Both applications were approved. The Final Order outlining the conditions for approval was approved by the Board of Adjustment on Thursday, July 24, 2008. 
The applicant has received all necessary approvals from the Town. The building permit for associated renovations was issued on October 3, 2008. Construction activities have concluded. Sand on the Beach- Bar and Grill is NOW OPEN for business. (10/29/2009)

A draft Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) as required by the State of Florida has been completed by the Town of Melbourne Beach. The report evaluates the existing Comprehensive Plan and determines what changes, additions, and deletions should be made. The EAR will be the basis of any Comprehensive Plan amendments proposed by the Town during an  amendment process also required by the State occurring over the next several months.
The EAR was found sufficient by the State on May 19, 2009. The Town must now initiate EAR based Comprehensive Plan Amendments and must conclude this work within 18 months of the approval of the EAR by the State of Florida. The Town concluded the interview process with the short-listed companies that submitted proposals for the advertised RFP 2009-01. Due to a tie decision of the Selection Committee, the Town Commission made the final decision and selected Ragsdale Planning Group for the project. The EAR-based Comprehensive Plan Elements are now being reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board. (10/29/2009)