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Economic development director outlines recovery work, master-plan push and redevelopment priorities
Summary
Treasure Island’s new economic development director reported on recent business reopenings, grant-seeking and a push for a citywide master plan and LDR updates to catalyze large-site redevelopment (Thunderbird and other properties). The presentation highlighted downtown foot-traffic declines and the need for zoning tools and development agreements.
Treasure Island’s newly installed economic development director (referred to in the hearing as John) delivered a progress report and strategic overview during the Oct. 23 Planning & Zoning Board meeting, describing recent business reopenings, grant activity and a push toward a citywide master plan and LDR updates to encourage redevelopment.
John highlighted several recent openings and reopenings—Marquee Cafe, Planet Ice Cream and Candy, Curious Soul—and said small-business momentum is returning as reconstruction continues after storms. He presented data showing a population decline of roughly 6% since 2010 and downtown foot-traffic falling nearly 40% since 2022; he said the average household age on the island is about 62 and emphasized the need to diversify the local economic base beyond hospitality.
On redevelopment, the director urged use of tools such as development agreements and new or flexible zoning (including planned-development districts) to incentivize investment on large parcels (the Thunderbird, Sands, Tahesian and Gators properties were named repeatedly). Board members discussed speeding permit review and helping large-site owners move from concept to site-plan submission, and the director said the city is pursuing grant and disaster-recovery funding with county and state partners (including FEMA and anticipated Pinellas County programs) to support recovery.
The director asked the board for input on community benefits that can be negotiated through developer agreements and said staff would pursue a citywide master plan to create a unified vision for Treasure Island. Board members signaled support for work that reduces process friction while protecting public priorities and said they will discuss zoning tools and master-plan priorities during an upcoming joint meeting with the city commission.
