News From the City of Treasure Island • August 6, 2025
City Hall • 10451 Gulf Blvd.

Trash Service Update

The City of Treasure Island is proceeding with the outsourcing of residential and commercial trash collection to a private company. Here’s why:

• Rising Costs: Trash operational costs have increased for the city and are expected to continue rising. Without action, residents may see more fee hikes in the years ahead.
• Aging Equipment: The city needs to spend over $2.3 million by 2029 to replace garbage trucks. Outsourcing would eliminate this cost.
• Savings to Residents: If outsourced, residents would see a reduction in trash fees while still getting twice-weekly pickup.
• Staff Protections: The new vendor would be required to consider hiring current City workers at competitive wages.
• Better Use of City Property: Removing the trash operation from the City’s Public Works site would free up space for new development, thereby generating future revenue.

City staff, including those from Public Works, Finance, and the City Attorney, are reviewing the details and exploring contract options to facilitate a smooth and timely transition. The vendor has already inspected the City’s garbage trucks and equipment to determine their market value, to provide fair compensation to the City.

The transition could occur as early as October 1, pending approval by the Commission.

Preliminary analysis suggests potential annual savings of $600,000 to $700,000 for residents and businesses.

Outsourcing is already common in nearby cities. This approach could improve efficiency, cut costs, and maintain steady service levels—without raising rates or capital expenses for residents.

Thank you!

At last night’s (Aug. 5) City Commission meeting, Florida State Representative Linda Chaney formally presented a ceremonial check in the amount of $1.5 million to the City of Treasure Island. This funding, secured through the State Legislative Appropriations process, will support the building of a new Public Safety Building.

Treasure Island Fire Rescue Chief Trip Barrs and Treasure Island Police Chief John Barkley presented Representative Chaney with a commemorative plaque expressing their gratitude for her continued advocacy and support of Treasure Island’s first responders.

Budget Workshop

Treasure Island residents are reminded of the upcoming Special Budget Workshop this Friday, August 8, at 10 a.m. in Commission Chambers at City Hall.

During this workshop, the City Commission will carefully review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, analyzing each part of the plan in detail. This is an opportunity for the public to see how budget decisions are made and how your elected officials prioritize spending and services.

Residents will also have the chance to provide public comments during the workshop, offering input on how city funds should be allocated.

Come see your local government in action and learn more about the budgeting process that shapes the future of Treasure Island.

Leave No Trace

Disaster Prepardeness Sales Tax Exemption

Florida now has a permanent sales tax exemption on select disaster preparedness supplies.

Below is a list of some of the approved items:

• Batteries – AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, and 9-volt
• Bicycle helmets
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
• Insect repellent
• Life jackets
• Portable gas cans with a capacity of 5 gallons or less
• Portable generators producing 10,000 running watts or less
• Smoke detection devices
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof tarpaulins that are 1,000 square feet or less

For more information & a complete list of eligible items: tinyurl.com/2s37amk9

* Example of an Emergency Kit Checklist below. *

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

The wheels on the bus are about to go round and round back to school. Time to get your child ready for another exciting school year.

Florida's Back-to-School sales tax holiday is in effect throughout the entire month of August! Items include personal computers or related accessories purchased for non-commercial home or personal use with a sales price of $1,500 or less, personal computer-related accessories, wallets, and bags with a sales price of $100 or less each, and more.

Stay Informed During Emergencies & Weather-Related Events

It’s important to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially during hurricane season. If a storm threatens your area, be ready by having a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio and be sure to sign up for emergency alerts.

CLICK HERE to sign up for Alert T.I., a service of Alert Pinellas. 

Start Planning For Fall's Biggest Event

It's that time of year again to start planning your fall trip to beautiful Treasure Island. The city’s signature event, Sanding Ovations Master's Cup, is back and bigger than ever!

Mark your calendars for November 20-23, with an encore weekend on November 29-30. And guess what? Admission is FREE!

Sanding Ovations is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of creativity, music, food, and community. Get ready to be amazed by stunning sand art, enjoy six days of live music, and indulge in delicious food from local vendors. Don't miss the colorful kite festival and one of the year’s most impressive fireworks displays!

This year, the event introduces some exciting new elements as rebuilding and recovery continue. So, pack your bags, bring your beach vibes, and join us in celebrating what makes Treasure Island a truly unique and lively place.

Summary of the Treasure Island City Commission Meeting on August 5, 2025

General Business

• Agendas approved for both the regular and workshop meetings.

• Commissioner Czyszczon added an item to discuss parking fees.

Special Recognition

• State Representative Chaney presented a $1.5 million state appropriation to the City to be used for funding a new public safety facility.

Minutes Approved

• Meeting minutes from February and July were all approved.

Commissioner Request

• Commissioner Dickey requested a financial analysis of solid waste outsourcing before any final decision is made.

Consent Agenda (Approved 5–0)

• Funding approved for:

  • Utility relocation services for Gulf Blvd improvements (~$473K)

  • Parking access license agreement

  • Trail grant continuation for Treasure Bay

  • Temporary Fire Department building (~$28K)

Items of Business

1. Ordinance on Impact Fees

   • Adopted a multimodal impact fee – Approved 4–1 (Czyszczon voted no)

   • Fee waiver extended to 4 years – Approved 5–0

2. Hurricane Recovery Funds

   • Two ordinances passed to recognize over $2.5M and $14K in insurance proceeds – Both passed unanimously

3. Disaster Recovery Services

   • Funding approved up to $50,000 – Passed 3–2 (Vasquez and Clark voted no)

4. Treasure Bay Tennis Court Improvements

   • Budget amendment (first reading) for court resurfacing and fencing – $231K – Approved 5–0

   • Contract awarded for resurfacing clay courts – $59.9K – Approved 5–0

5. Board Appointments

   • Multiple residents appointed or re-appointed to city boards

   • Kara Simm removed from Planning & Zoning; replaced by Mark Zdrojewski

6. Community Development Staff Additions

   • Approved hiring a Floodplain Manager and Codes Supervisor – Passed 4–1 (Czyszczon voted no)

7. Land Development Discussion

   • Kimley Horn’s scope of services for ordinance revisions discussed – No action taken

8. BIG-C Representation

   • Nominated Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks (Madeira Beach) to serve on Forward Pinellas Board – Approved 5–0

9. Parking Fees Pilot

   • City Manager given authority for 30 days to adjust parking fees (max $2) for impact study – Approved 5–0

Commissioner Requests

• Commissioner Czyszczon: Requested that the potential sale of Kingfish Park be placed on a future agenda.

August 8
Special Budget Workshop
10 a.m. | Commission Chambers

August 19
City Commission Meeting & Workshop
The workshop immediately follows the regular meeting
6 p.m. | Commission Chambers

August 21
Planning & Zoning Board | Local Planning Agency Board
The LPA Board meeting immediately follows the PZ Board meeting
2 p.m. | Commission Chambers

Meetings are streamed live online at mytreasureisland.com/citymeetings, on  Facebook Live, facebook.com/cityoftreasureisland, and YouTube, YouTube.com/@cityoftreasureisland