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News From the City of Treasure Island • October 7, 2026
City Hall • 10451 Gulf Blvd. • 727-547-4575
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 Join us tomorrow, Oct. 8 (rain or shine), at 10 a.m. for a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate a new home for the Treasure Island Police Department and Treasure Island Fire Rescue.
The ceremony will take place on 108th Avenue at the former City Hall site. Mayor John Doctor, the City Commission, Police Chief John Barkley, Fire Chief Trip Barrs, Florida State Senator Nick DiCeglie, Florida State Representative Linda Chaney, and others will be on hand to mark this milestone with the community.
Please note that this event is ceremonial only, as construction will not begin until later in the year.
The former Treasure Island public safety building has served the island since 1957. Hurricanes Helene and Milton made replacement urgent, and since then TIPD officers and TIFR firefighters have worked from temporary trailers. The new facility will finally provide them with a permanent, safe, and resilient home.
Designed to meet or exceed current coastal construction standards and Risk Category IV requirements, the building will include:
- A fire station with a three-bay garage, sleeping quarters and meeting space
- Secure police offices, evidence storage and space for community engagement
- A multipurpose training room that can double as a post-storm Emergency Operations Center
The $10.8 million project includes $4 million in state funding.
Follow THIS LINK to learn more facts about the new facility.
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 Have you got your taste on yet? The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is going on now through October 11. This annual event invites residents and visitors to sample menu items from local restaurants across the beaches.
Treasure Island businesses participating this year:
- Caddy's Treasure Island
- Sloppy Joe's on the Beach
- Curious Soul Bakery & Coffee Shop
- Seadog Brewing Co.
- Taco Bus
Tastes are $10 each, making it an easy, 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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 City and emergency officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season before it reaches the northern Gulf Coast on Friday. The storm is not expected to come near our coast, but minor impacts are possible.
- Treasure Island could see 2-4 inches of rain Friday into the weekend. Combined with higher tides from the new moon, this could cause localized flooding along the coast and on roadways.
- Public works crews will spend the next few days clearing storm drains. You can help by keeping yard debris and loose items away from drains.
- Rip currents are likely along the coast whenever there is a storm in the Gulf. Please use caution if you go in the water.
Storm tracks and timing can change quickly, so stay alert and stay storm-ready throughout hurricane season:
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 The City of Treasure Island thanks everyone who joined us Friday morning, October 2, to plant more than 1,000 sea oats on Sunset Beach. Volunteers from CoastLab Kids, Pinellas County, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, TI Adopt-a-Beach, Dune Savers, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, and other groups helped strengthen the dunes and protect the shoreline. The city appreciates everyone who took the time to make a difference.
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 Treasure Island Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in.
Many devices used in our daily lives - phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.
- Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
- Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
- Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
- Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
- When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.
For more information about FPW programs in Treasure Island, contact the Treasure Island Fire Rescue at 727-547-4575 x260 or email MNelson@mytreasureisland.org To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
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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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 Grab the leash and bring the whole pack! Barktoberfest is back for a day of pet-friendly activities, community fun, and plenty of wagging tails.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: John Morroni Dog Park in Rosselli Park, 11650 Capri Circle South
Our annual celebration for pets and their humans is packed with things to do:
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Doggie Costume Contest: Dress your furry friend in their best costume for a chance to win prizes.
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Live DJ: Music and entertainment throughout the event.
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Pet Adoptions: Meet adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues. Your new best friend might be waiting!
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Vendors: Shop animal-loving vendors offering unique products and services for your pets.
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Food and Drinks: Tasty bites and refreshing drinks will be available for purchase.
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Giveaways: Stick around for great giveaways and prizes.
Calling All Vendors
Animal-loving vendors are invited to join the fun. Registration is $50, with the fee waived for nonprofits and animal shelters. Vendors are also free with a $1,000 or more sponsorship package.
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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FOR THE ENCORE WEEKEND:
Sanding Ovations is seeking more vendors for its Encore Weekend, November 27-29. This year's Encore Weekend will bring an All-American Encore Weekend to Treasure Island Beach. Think of it as tailgating on the sand! It offers all the same fun as the main weekend, with college and pro football on the big screens, games, and a crowd ready to celebrate. We want you to be part of the action.
What we are looking for:
- Food and beverage vendors
- Local merchants and artisans
- Sports & fan-gear retailers
- Craft and specialty vendors
- Community and nonprofit organizations
Why be a vendor at Sanding Ovations:
- Built-in crowds from one of Florida's best beach events
- Prime beachfront exposure during a high-traffic holiday weekend
- Visitors looking for unique items and souvenirs
How to Apply:
Non-Food Vendors: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/city-of-treasure-island-fl/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0MzE4MjU%3D
Food Vendors: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/city-of-treasure-island-fl/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0MzE3NDY=
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 Pinellas County continues to see rising dengue cases and West Nile virus activity. Mosquitoes transmit both viruses, and the best defense is to act at home now.
Mosquitoes need only a small amount of standing water to breed. Remember to "Tip it, toss it" around your home at least once a week:
- Empty and scrub buckets, flowerpot saucers, toys, coolers, pet dishes and birdbaths.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and wagons, and 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.
Protect yourself and your family from bites:
- Use an EPA-approved repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear loose-fitting long sleeves and pants when practical.
- Repair any torn or damaged window and door screens.
Pinellas County Mosquito Control crews are continuing to go door to door in many neighborhoods to help residents. If a crew member visits your home, please allow them to help identify potential problem areas. Thank you to Pinellas County Mosquito Control for its ongoing work to keep our community safe.
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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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 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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City Commission Recap: Oct. 6 Regular Meeting
The Treasure Island Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Oct. 6, at City Hall.
Consent Agenda – Approved 3-2
Commissioners approved the consent agenda as presented. The consent agenda included:
- A Tourism Promotion Agreement with Pinellas County, on behalf of Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, for the 17th annual Sanding Ovations presents Music is the Key
- The contract for the Pinellas Beaches Chamber of Commerce Friday Morning Market
- The MB Sports Group, Inc. contract renewal for use of Bill Lyon's Field
- Defense Preparation
Ordinances Adopted – All 5-0
The commission approved the following at their second readings and public hearings:
- Ordinance 2026-16: Establishing Chapter 61, Procedures
- Ordinance 2026-17: Amending Chapter 68, Zoning Regulations
- Ordinance 2026-18: Amending Chapter 72, Landscaping
- Ordinance 2026-19: Amending Chapter 74, Subdivisions
- Ordinance 2026-24: Budget Amendment for Capital Project Expenses
- Ordinance 2026-27: FY27 Citywide Fee Schedule, which takes effect Nov. 1, 2026
The commission also considered Ordinance 2026-23, a Budget Amendment for Revenues. During discussion, Commissioner Czyszczon asked staff for the full cost of the Living Shoreline project, including design, engineering, and construction.
Other Business
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Fine appeal, 12550 6th St. E: Commissioners denied a request to reduce the lien, 5-0.
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Gulf Beaches Library: Commissioners approved a six-month extension of the interlocal agreement, 5-0.
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Minutes: The Aug. 18 workshop and regular meeting minutes were approved, 5-0.
New Vice Mayor
Commissioner Clark moved to consider designating a different vice mayor. The motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Vasquez and Czyszczon voting no. Commissioners then elected Commissioner Arden Dickey as vice mayor, effective immediately, by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Vasquez voting no.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Clark asked that commissioners be informed when speed bumps are installed.
Commissioner Czyszczon requested:
- A written legal opinion on whether the voter-approved supermajority amendment can be enforced under current Florida law
- The status of the PD ordinance
- A financial analysis comparing Thunderbird redevelopment under current code with the proposed concept of about 80 feet above design flood elevation and 184 units
- Updates on West Causeway landscaping and roadway reconstruction
- The latest site plans for the Public Safety Facility
- Confirmation that Treasure Bay will be on the Dec. 6 workshop agenda
He also raised concerns about road conditions on Dolphin Drive.
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City Commission Workshop Recap: Oct. 6
The Treasure Island Board of Commissioners held a workshop Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m., ahead of the regular meeting.
Elnor Island
The commission reached consensus to move forward with proposed restrictions for Elnor Island. Commissioners asked that the cut remain open to nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks and paddleboards. As a workshop item, this was a consensus direction, not a formal vote.
Floodplain Manager Jesse Miller explained that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) would recommend the specific restrictions to implement, including any limits within 50 feet of the island.
Public Input
Three residents spoke during public input:
- One resident supported the restrictions, cautioned about overlapping jurisdiction, and suggested asking the appropriate agencies to weigh in.
- One resident explained that the island was originally misnamed on maps and later corrected by the Treasure Island Historical Society. She also shared information about the Historical Society.
- One resident asked about the 50-foot line and about keeping a paddleboard and kayak cut-through open. He noted that many people use the cut and that there are no signs marking the bird sanctuary on the right side.
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October 13
Auditor Select Committee
Location: Commission Chambers
Meeting | 2:30 p.m.
October 20
City Commission Workshop and Meeting
Location: Commission Chambers
Workshop | 5 p.m.
Meeting | 6 p.m.
October 21
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Location: Commission Chambers
Meeting | 11 a.m.
October 21
Charter Review Committee
Location: Commission Chambers
Meeting | 5:30 p.m.
October 22
Planning and Zoning/Local Planning Agency Boards
Location: Commission Chambers
Meeting | 2 p.m.
Meetings are streamed live online at mytreasureisland.com/citymeetings, on Facebook Live, facebook.com/cityoftreasureisland, and YouTube, YouTube.com/@cityoftreasureisland
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