TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Commissioners took the next step Tuesday in revitalizing Treasure Island’s 17-acre recreation complex.

The board approved funding to make repairs to the Treasure Bay clubhouse, giving the OK to spend $95,000 on interior fixes. They also discussed whether to approve $167,000 for new windows and doors but instead asked staff to come back with a lower quote for that part of the work.

What You Need To Know

Treasure Island commissioners approved spending $95,000 on repairs to the inside of the Treasure Bay clubhouse 

Improvements are already underway at the recreation complex, which was damaged during last year’s hurricanes

People who live in nearby communities, including Village of Paradise Island, have said one change they’d like to see is for Treasure Bay’s nine-hole golf course to be rebuilt

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Changes taking shape at Treasure Bay

The future of Treasure Bay is something people who live nearby are watching closely, with some saying they want to see a former longstanding feature restored.

“This is what we get with golfers. See the little dings there?” said Pat Patterson, motioning to rounded, golf ball-sized indentations in the wall of his neighbor’s balcony. “The last time we painted, I had 29.”

Patterson said he’s accumulated other souvenirs at his own place at Village of Paradise Island, just off of what was the ninth hole of Treasure Bay’s golf course.

“I have five gallons of golf balls, and I’ve taken five gallons up to Pennsylvania to give to my family,” he said.

Pat Patterson says the view of the former Treasure Bay golf course is what drew him to live in the Village of Paradise Island on @TresIslandFL. He says he’d like to see the course restored as part of ongoing improvements to the recreation complex. @BN9 pic.twitter.com/7JS7mU1iZ0

— Sarah Blazonis (@SarahBlazonis) December 2, 2025

That’s not a complaint. Patterson said he knew what he was getting into when he moved next door to the course, but it looked a little different 15 years ago.

“It was a golf course that was not as green as it could’ve been,” he said. “It was somewhat in neglect. It wasn’t irrigated that well, but it was an active, nine-hole golf course.”

Patterson said he’d like to see it active once again. 

Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez told Spectrum News that Hurricane Helene took out what was left of the course. Work is underway on improvements at the site, but as of now, there are no concrete plans for golf to return.

“Not necessarily going back to a full golf course like it was before because it was old and it was very, you know, it was a small group of people. So, we definitely want to attend to them,” Vasquez said.

Both Vasquez and Mayor John Doctor said at a workshop last month that the full course didn’t get enough use, and a PopStroke-like feature might be a better option. Patterson and other neighbors pointed to survey results from past efforts to learn about what residents want to see at Treasure Bay. One from 2024 found nearly 75% of respondents, or 1,087 people, wanted to see the golf course reconstructed, while 25 percent, or 363 people, did not. 

“The type of course that’s out here is extremely popular with families and groups because they can play it quickly. It doesn’t make any difference if you’re good or bad,” Patterson said.

Commissioners didn’t talk golf Tuesday night, but they did approve those funds for interior fixes. When it came to the cost of hurricane windows, commissioners asked staff to report back on the price of regular windows instead.

“Putting money into a non-conforming building that has structural issues, is likely to get demolished in the future, is a waste of taxpayer money,” said Commissioner Arthur Czyszczon. 

Patterson said he hopes commissioners listen to taxpayers when it comes to Treasure Bay’s — and the golf course’s — future.

“It was considered the gem of Treasure Island, and I don’t see a reason why you can’t continue that and preserve green space and other activities, too,” he said.

The city hasn’t made any definite decisions regarding golf, and Vasquez has said the city will have additional meetings before commissioners give the seal of approval. Patterson said it was disheartening to think there could be another round of workshops ahead when he said residents have already told commissioners what they want to see done.