CLEARWATER

The $250-million Kiran Grand Resort and Spa on Clearwater Beach is expected to miss a key deadline today to begin construction. But developers almost certainly will get an extension from the city. Here's the background and what this means:

Why is the project delayed?

Last year, the original developer, Tampa entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel, changed his plans as the housing market collapsed. Patel formed a partnership with the Related Group, then changed the project from condos to a hotel development with 250 hotel rooms with 200 timeshares.

What's next?

Developers are expected to ask the city for an extension to their city project approval in upcoming weeks. The City Council typically grants these requests. In this case, an extension would be in the city's best interest since Clearwater is leasing part of the site - nearly 3 acres where S Gulfview Boulevard splits with Coronado Drive - and using it as a temporary beach parking lot.

So when will this thing get built?

That's not clear, but work probably won't start until after summer.