TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Treasure Island is adding two code compliance inspectors to help manage complaints and a large volume of cases tied to the 2024 hurricane season, including damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The city said the additional inspectors will help staff keep up with new complaints while continuing to work through hurricane-related cases. With the new hires, each district in Treasure Island will have a dedicated inspector.
Anna Bartenstein, a code compliance inspector for the city, currently monitors two districts and inspects each every other day. She said many code issues are based on measurable standards.
“So a lot of it is measurable. Like, for example, if the grass gets past 10 inches. And that’s been a large issue, especially with the rainy season here,” Bartenstein said.
The city’s code compliance team receives about five to 10 new complaints a week, while also handling cases that remain from the 2024 hurricane season.
James Dixon, Treasure Island’s code compliance supervisor, said the added staff will help with both field work and the administrative work needed for hurricane-related cases that may have to go before a board or magistrate.
“Preparing those packages and evidence packages require a lot of work in office and with the new complaints that are coming in and new responsibilities with the new ordinances that we’ve implemented, we need help to get our cases through,” Dixon said.
With the expanded team, Bartenstein will be assigned to one district instead of two.
The city also plans to use technology to help address unpermitted rentals. The system, called Deckard, will scan thousands of rental listings and help code inspectors flag listings that are not in permitted zones.