PINELLAS COUNTY. Fla. — Treasure Island city commissioners denied a request this week from owners of the Thunderbird Beach Resort to allow them to build back taller.
The landmark hotel has been closed since Hurricane Helene.
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Treasure Island city commissioners denied a request this week from owners of the Thunderbird Beach Resort to allow them to build back taller
The owners of the historic site said that damage from Helene and Milton was catastrophic and that 80 percent of the property has substantial damage
Nearby residents asked commissioners not to allow the Thunderbird to increase its height and density
The owners of the historic site said that damage from Helene and Milton was catastrophic and that 80 percent of the property has substantial damage. The waterfront property spans nearly two acres along Gulf Boulevard.
Resort owners said earlier this year they planned to demolish it and build a new resort. Nearby residents asked commissioners not to allow the Thunderbird to increase its height and density.
Some residents said they wanted the city to craft a new master plan before making such changes.
Ricky T’s General Manager Joseph Roth, located across the street from the hotel, said he is looking forward to the hotel reopening someday. Roth said this year’s “Sanding Ovations” festival, which starts today, will test the impact of the Thunderbird’s closure on surrounding businesses.
“Being here for 15 years, I had the flow of people pretty down pat where I could tell you on a dime exactly what we’re going to do,” Roth said. “Now, we’ve got to re-evaluate what we’re doing and what the business flow is going to be, see how much of an impact that’s really going to be on the island and on our business itself, being right across the street.”
Meanwhile, Treasure Island Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez requested the city put out a request for qualifications for a master planner.