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News From the City of Treasure Island • September 23, 2026
City Hall • 10451 Gulf Blvd. • 727-547-4575
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 We've noticed some information circulating about the design of the new Treasure Island Public Safety Facility, and we want to make sure residents have clear, accurate facts straight from the source.
It's built on the water, so it'll just flood.
The facility is specifically engineered for our coastal environment. The ground-level garage bays are intentionally designed as "breakaway" flood-washout areas, consistent with modern coastal codes for flood-prone zones. During a storm surge, these areas are built to allow water to pass through safely rather than trapping it against the structure, which protects the building's integrity. This is standard, proven design for resilient coastal construction.
The facility was never intended for first responders to ride out a major storm surge. If a significant surge is forecast, personnel and ALL apparatus will be relocated off the island, since surge levels cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. This is the same precaution the city asks all residents to take.
Why isn't it built higher to avoid flood risk?
Fire apparatus requirements limit elevation here. Fire engines and trucks require a specific ramp grade and enough garage clearance to enter and exit safely. Raising the building further would cause vehicles to bottom out when entering or exiting the bays, potentially damaging them.
This design has already been proven on our coastline.
Biltmore Construction is building the new facility, the same contractor that built Clearwater Fire Station #46 and South Pasadena Fire Station #20. Clearwater Station #46 is especially relevant for comparison. It sits directly on Clearwater Beach and was built with many of the same resiliency features planned for our facility. The architect, Wannemacher Jensen Architects, has designed a series of coastal public safety facilities in our region, including Clearwater Station #46, South Pasadena Station #20, Madeira Beach Station #25, and Treasure Island's new facility.
The city just chose this random spot on 108th.
This location is neither new nor random. It's been home to Treasure Island's public safety building since 1957. The facility was initially proposed near the new City Hall site, but the city listened to feedback and moved back to 108th Avenue. The new facility will be located where the old Treasure Island City Hall once stood, and a new Public Works facility will be built next door, behind the gas station. This will free up approximately 2 acres of land on 108th Avenue for future use.
This is a $10.8 million project, with $4 million coming from state funding. It will replace a public safety building that has served our community since 1957. The new facility is designed to exceed current coastal construction standards and Risk Category IV requirements, with storm surge protection and hurricane-resistant features built in throughout.
Treasure Island knows residents care deeply about how their tax dollars are spent and how prepared the city is for the next storm. That's why the city selected a proven team with a track record of building resilient, storm-ready facilities in Florida's coastal communities.
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 Watch for new signs popping up around the city to replace the old, faded, and occasionally “held together by hope and rust” versions. They’re brighter, easier to read, and much better at showing off our little slice of paradise.
One more change you’ll notice: city-owned parking lots will now be named after the streets they’re on, not the birds. So instead of wondering whether you’re in Pelican, Sandpiper, or “that one gull we can never remember,” you’ll just look for the street name and know exactly where you are.
New signs will replace all parking lot signs, beach access signs, neighborhood signs and more.
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 Pinellas County is experiencing an increase in Dengue cases and West Nile activity. Both viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Protect yourself and others by taking immediate action. “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.
Pinellas County Mosquito Control crews are knocking on doors in many neighborhoods to help residents. Please allow them to help find potential problem areas.
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 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.
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 The City of Treasure Island is proud to support this year's Taste of the Beaches, hosted by the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, running October 3–11. This annual event invites residents and visitors to sample menu items from local restaurants across the beaches — and we're excited that three Treasure Island businesses are participating this year:
- Caddy's Treasure Island
- Sloppy Joe's on the Beach
- Curious Soul Bakery & Coffee Shop
Tastes are just $10 each, making it an easy and affordable way to explore what our local restaurants have to offer. October is traditionally a slower month for many beach businesses, so this is a great opportunity for our community to come out and show support.
As an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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
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