|
|
News From the City of Treasure Island • September 16, 2026
City Hall • 10451 Gulf Blvd. • 727-547-4575
|
|
 A new home for the Treasure Island Police Department (TIPD) and Treasure Island Fire Rescue (TIFR) is one step closer to reality. At its September 15 meeting, the City Commission voted 4-1 to approve a Design-Build Agreement to construct a new public safety facility. The project is expected to cost a total of $10.8 million, with $4 million from State of Florida appropriations. The facility will be built on 108th Avenue at the former City Hall site.
The city's public safety building was built in 1957 and plans to replace it were already underway when Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused destruction that made building a new facility urgent. The new, hurricane-resistant facility will house both TIPD and TIFR, strengthening emergency services and protecting the community for decades.
"This Public Safety Building is about much more than replacing a fire station; it is about ensuring Treasure Island is prepared to protect our community for decades to come," said TIFR Chief Trip Barrs. "Hurricane Helene demonstrated just how vulnerable our critical public safety infrastructure can be. Our firefighters and first responders need a hardened, reliable facility that remains operational when our residents need us most. This investment will strengthen our ability to respond to everyday emergencies, withstand future storms, and continue providing the level of fire, EMS, and public safety service our community expects and deserves."
The new facility will be engineered to exceed current coastal construction standards and Risk Category IV requirements, with storm-surge protection and hurricane-resistant features integrated throughout. It will consolidate TIPD operations under one roof, with secure offices, evidence storage, and space for community engagement. The building will also include a TIFR station with a three-bay garage for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, sleeping and meeting quarters, and a multipurpose training and meeting room that can double as a post-storm Emergency Operations Center.
“This new Public Safety Building represents more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of Treasure Island’s resilience and an anchor for our community,” said TIPD Chief John Bakley. “After all we have endured, this facility will provide our first responders with a safe, modern home from which to serve and protect our residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Groundbreaking for the new public safety facility is scheduled for early October, with major construction beginning in December 2026.
|
|
 The city of Treasure Island has been notified of a phishing email targeting Treasure Island property owners with open Code Enforcement cases. The email impersonates the city’s Community Development Department and asks recipients to wire money to resolve their cases.
The sender address is planning.mytreasureisland_gov@usa.com —this is NOT the city.
- All legitimate City emails come from an @mytreasureisland.org address.
- The City will NEVER ask you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
- If you get one of these emails: don't click, don't reply, don't pay.
If you receive this email, please contact CDD at planning@mytreasureisland.org or 727-547-4575 ext. 259 so we can track it.
Spotting these scams:
- Check the domain, not the display name. Scammers can set the "From" name to say "Treasure Island Planning," but the actual address (after the @) will be wrong. Legit City email always ends in @mytreasureisland.org.
- Any request to wire money, buy gift cards, or pay in crypto is an automatic red flag. No government agency ever collects fines, fees, or case resolutions that way.
- Slow down on urgency/fear language — "pay now or face additional fines/liens" is the classic pressure tactic to stop people from double-checking.
- Verify through a number you look up yourself, not a phone number or link in the email. Call the city’s community development department
- Hover before you click — links in these emails often lead to fake payment portals that look official.
- When in doubt, forward it in before acting on it. Ask the city’s CDD to examine the email if you have any doubts.
|
|
 Pardon Our Dust as We Make Progress
Demolition has begun on the old Public Works garage on 108th Avenue, which served the city for more than 50 years before Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed it. Once that demolition is complete, crews will move on to tearing down the former Public Safety Building, also lost in the storms.
The city will soon start building a new Master Pump Station, Public Works Facility, and Public Safety Building on 108th in the coming months.
|
|
 This past Friday, September 11, marked 25 years since 9/11/2001. This past 9/11, our community and those around us came together to ensure we never forget.
The Treasure Island Fire Rescue 9/11 Memorial Walk began with just five TIFR firefighters. This year, more than 200 people joined them: fellow firefighters, police officers, residents, some who were in New York City that day, and others who simply wanted to show their support.
Thank you to everyone who walked in remembrance that morning and to TIPD for helping along the walk and showing their support.
Special thanks to Caddy’s Treasure Island and Walmart for their contributions to the event. Thank you as well to the residents who offered their golf carts to help with the event.
Follow THIS LINK to check out a short recap video of the event. You can also visit Treasure Island Fire Rescue's Facebook page to see pictures from the walk.
|
|
 The City of Treasure Island invites all little ghouls and goblins to a howling good time at the Treasure Island Halloween Spooktacular! The fun creeps in on October 23 at the Treasure Island Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The costume contest starts at 7 p.m.
Grab your candy pail and get ready for an evening of frightfully fun activities, including trick-or-treating, interactive games, bounce houses, food trucks, and more spooktacular fun!
Come in your best costume, bring your pail, and enjoy a night of Halloween fun the whole family won't want to miss!
Questions? Call (727) 547-4575 ext. 246 or email recreation@mytreasureisland.org.
|
|
 Pinellas County has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert following a rise in dengue fever cases. As of Sept. 15, Pinellas County confirmed five cases, with additional cases reported across Tampa Bay. Pinellas County Mosquito Control has increased surveillance, inspections, and treatments, but needs residents to play a key role in prevention.
Dengue spreads through mosquito bites, and even a bottle cap of standing water can breed them.
Protect Yourself and Others
At least once a week, walk around your home and “tip it, toss it” to eliminate any standing water.
- Empty and scrub buckets, flowerpot saucers, toys, coolers, pet dishes and birdbaths.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and wagons, cover rain barrels and garbage cans.
- Clear clogged gutters and remove old tires or debris.
- Treat water that cannot be emptied with a mosquito-control product containing Bti
- Use EPA-approved repellent (DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus).
- Wear loose long sleeves/pants when practical, and repair damaged screens.
Mosquitoes bite both day and night. Dengue symptoms include fever, intense muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, and rash. Contact a healthcare provider if these symptoms appear.
|
|
 Join us for a “paw-tastic” time at the city's annual Barktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the John Morroni Memorial Dog Park in Rosselli Park, located at 11650 Capri Circle S., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy lively music, delightful food and drinks, unique vendors, exciting giveaways, and a doggie costume contest at noon, plus the chance to meet pets available for adoption and watch live demonstrations by the St. Pete Training Club.
We're looking for more vendors and dog shelters/rescues to join in the fun! These vendors and local shelters or rescue groups can set up at this year's event and connect with the community.
Interested vendors and shelters/rescues should call the Parks and Recreation Department at 727-547-4575 x237 or email recreation@mytreasureisland.org.
|
|
 If a permit remains open and another storm causes damage, the city must combine the repair costs. Combined, the total could push your property over the 50% Substantial Damage threshold, which can trigger stricter rebuilding requirements.
The fix is simple. Close out any open permits now. If the work is complete, schedule your final inspection. Closing permits protects your property value, keeps your records clean, and helps you avoid claim or assessment headaches down the road.
For more information, contact the Building Department: Permits@mytreasureisland.org
727-547-4575 ext. 230
Inspections: 727-547-4575 ext. 431
|
|
|
Board of Commissioners Regular Workshop Summary — September 15, 2026
All five members were present: Mayor Doctor, Vice Mayor Vasquez, and Commissioners Clark, Czyszczon, and Dickey.
-
Raftelis Commercial Redevelopment Master Plan status update: Presentation given, followed by discussion on the Thunderbird Hotel site.
- Commissioner Czyszczon asked for financial modeling on two scenarios: a 5-over-1 building at 106 units with a 60-foot height limit, versus an alternative at 80 feet allowing up to 100 units per acre (up to 140 units).
- Commissioner Dickey agreed it would help to also model a middle-ground scenario, alongside the 104-unit option and the county's maximum-density proposal.
- Vice Mayor Vasquez repeated her request for golf course revenue/expenditure data from 2017 onward; City Manager Van Zant confirmed the request covers 2017–2023.
- Commissioner Dickey said the city likely already has a golf course design and didn't want to pay for new design proposals that may not move forward.
- Vice Mayor Vasquez clarified the financial request is for the 9-hole golf course only, excluding other Treasure Bay features.
- Consensus reached to hold the Treasure Bay Workshop on December 1, 2026.
|
|
|
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Summary — September 15, 2026
All five members were present: Mayor Doctor, Vice Mayor Vasquez, and Commissioners Clark, Czyszczon, and Dickey.
FY27 Millage and Budget
-
Ordinance 2026-25, FY27 millage rate (2nd reading/public hearing): A motion to adopt as written FAILED, 3/2 (Vasquez and Czyszczon voting no). A substitute motion then passed adopting the rollback rate of 3.7922 mills — 3/2, Clark and Dickey voting no.
-
Ordinance 2026-26, FY27 Budget (2nd/final reading and public hearing): Approved — 3/2, Vasquez and Czyszczon voting no.
Agenda change: Item I.7 was moved to I.1 to accommodate the public present for that item; remaining items renumbered accordingly (reflected below).
Consent Agenda
- Amendment 2 to the Advanced Life Support First Responder Contract with Pinellas County EMS Authority (updated Appendix A, effective Oct. 1, 2026) — 5/0
Items of Business
-
Public Safety Facility design-build amendment with Biltmore Construction Company, guaranteed maximum price of $10,809,219, contractor authorized to proceed — 4/1, Czyszczon voting no
-
Ordinance 2026-27, FY27 Citywide Fee Schedule (Appendix A to Code of Ordinances), effective Nov. 1, 2026, 2nd reading/public hearing — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-22, Budget Amendment for Expenses, 2nd/final public hearing — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-21, Budget Amendment for Revenues, 2nd public hearing — 5/0
-
Resolution 2026-11, Rules of Civility and Decorum for Commission/Advisory Board meetings — 5/0
-
Resolution 2026-12, appointing Kimberly Stewart to the Life Intervention Focus Team (LIFT) Board, term ending Aug. 31, 2029 — 5/0
- City Attorney's formal opinion request procedure, approved as amended — 5/0
- Nomination of Madeira Beach Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks to represent the BIG-C on the Forward Pinellas Board — 5/0
Commissioner Reports
- Commissioner Clark requested a WastePro update from staff due to numerous resident complaints; City Manager Van Zant will report back at the next meeting. Vice Mayor Vasquez and Commissioner Dickey echoed the request and noted residents are entitled to four bulk pickups per year.
- Mayor Doctor asked staff to look into dying grass along West Causeway.
|
|
|
Board of Commissioners Regular Workshop Summary — September 9, 2026
Mayor John Doctor and Commissioners Vasquez, Clark, Czyszczon, and Dickey discussed how to approach Planned Development (PD) zoning citywide.
- The Commission agreed against one blanket height/density standard for the whole town.
- Commissioner Clark proposed having City Planner Braydon Evans (staff) develop a proposal for how a PD framework should be structured, with the Commission to debate zoning details by area afterward. Commissioners Dickey, Doctor, and Vasquez agreed.
- Mayor Doctor and the Commission agreed the PD work should proceed in tandem with the Master Plan update.
- Commissioner Czyszczon asked that the Comprehensive Plan amendment and the PD process also run in tandem.
- Responding to City Manager Van Zant, Mr. Evans confirmed staff's direction: expand on the presented model and return with a framework for new future land use designations, to be paired with a PD zoning ordinance. Mayor Doctor agreed.
- No public comment was offered.
|
|
|
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Summary — September 9, 2026
Mayor Doctor called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. All five members were present: Mayor Doctor, Vice Mayor Vasquez, and Commissioners Clark, Czyszczon, and Dickey.
-
Agenda change: Item H.10, Treasure Bay discussion, was moved to the October 6 workshop.
-
Minutes: Approved (July 7, July 21, and August 4 workshop/regular minutes) — 5/0
-
Consent Agenda (Sheriff's Office communications contract, Parks & Rec rental policy resolution, Sanding Ovations sponsorship and operation contract renewals, LMS/CRS annual report, Tennis Services agreement renewal) — approved as presented, 5/0
Items of Business
-
Ordinance 2026-25, FY27 millage rate (1st reading/public hearing): A motion to set the rate at 3.0 mills died for lack of a second. The Commission then adopted a millage rate of 3.8129 mills — 4/1, Czyszczon voting no. Commissioners agreed remaining solid waste reserve funds should go to the general fund.
-
Ordinance 2026-26, FY27 Budget (1st public hearing): Approved, with second/final hearing set for September 15 — 4/1, Czyszczon voting no. Discussion included consensus to hire a sustainability coordinator, keep Florida League of Cities/Mayors funding, and cancel the library contract.
-
Ordinance 2026-16 (Ch. 61, Procedures), 1st reading: Approved, second hearing to follow — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-17 (Ch. 68, Zoning Regulations), 1st reading: Approved, second hearing to follow — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-18 (Ch. 72, Landscaping), 1st reading: Approved, second hearing to follow — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-19 (Ch. 74, Subdivisions), 1st reading: Approved, second hearing to follow — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-23, Budget Amendment (Revenues), 1st public hearing: Approved, second/final hearing set for October 6 — 5/0
-
Ordinance 2026-24, Budget Amendment (Capital Project Expenses), 1st public hearing: Approved, second/final hearing set for October 6 — 5/0
-
Resolution 2026-10, Charter Review Committee: Approved, establishing the committee and confirming appointments — 5/0
-
H.10, Treasure Bay: Deferred to the October 6 workshop.
Commissioner Reports
- Motion to consider/discuss ending the pending investigation of the City Manager — 3/2, Czyszczon and Vasquez voting no.
- Motion finding insufficient basis to continue requesting an investigation into City Manager Charlie Van Zant, affirming continued confidence in him, and directing the City Attorney/HR Director to notify the insurance carrier to withdraw the request and close claim #459466 — 3/1, Czyszczon voting no, Vasquez abstaining.
- Rosselli Park shade structure: Discussion on the $150,000 budgeted for shade coverage; Mayor Doctor asked that the item return as a formal item of business.
|
|
|
|
|
