TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — After 68 years of serving residents and guests in Treasure Island, the iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort will be demolished.
The owners of the historic site on Thursday 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.
The owners say they are planning to build a new resort that honors the legacy of the Thunderbird but also enhances the site to be more resilient for the next storm.
They have submitted development plans with the city of Treasure Island.
Once the old building is torn down, a four-story resort with several buildings will take its place. It will have more than 100 rooms and 126 parking spaces.
Historians are hoping the owners keep a promise of balancing preservation with progress.
“We need the tourism, you know, to support the economy. And a lot of us just hate to see the old stuff go, but it can't stay forever. We know that," said Scott Pownall of the Treasure Island Historical Society.
"So, I just hope they try to preserve some of the quaintness of Treasure Island, some of the small town feel and not be Miami or something," he said.
There are at least a couple of things that will stay put.
The Thunderbird name and neon sign will remain and be incorporated into the new design.
The redevelopment plans still need approval from Treasure Island's development review committee and city leaders.
