Treasure Island’s Thunderbird Resort set to undergo reconstruction following damage from hurricane.

Treasure Island’s Thunderbird Beach Resort has announced that it will not be reopening in the near future. The iconic neon-blue hotel, known for its presence on the island since 1957, suffered severe damage during Hurricane Helene over six months ago. In a statement, the resort’s owners reported that more than 80% of the property experienced substantial destruction.

In light of these challenges, Avi and Gilad Ovaknin, the owners of the resort, confirmed that the decision was made to proceed with a complete redevelopment of the hotel. While they provided little additional detail, their representative, Shaul Zislin of Thunderbird TI Holdings LLC, refrained from commenting on whether the owners had received a directive from the city mandating the property’s demolition and reconstruction.

The city of Treasure Island has been proactive in addressing properties affected by Hurricane Helene, notifying thousands of businesses and residents that their locations could be classified as substantially damaged. This classification applies to properties that have incurred over 50% damage, thereby necessitating rebuilding or elevation. Numerous establishments along the Gulf Boulevard stretch on Treasure Island are included in this assessment.

The Thunderbird Beach Resort will enter the lengthy process of demolition, a move that is echoed by the issuance of 121 demolition permits by the city. The scope of this issue is not limited to Treasure Island, as numerous permits have also been granted in nearby cities such as Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Plans for the newly rebuilt Thunderbird include a design that features parking on the ground floor, with a four-story structure above, as indicated by documents submitted to the local water management district. The redevelopment aims to retain the resort’s name and iconic signage while enhancing its resilience against future severe weather events. The goal is to rebuild the Thunderbird Beach Resort with the same heart and charm that guests have cherished for decades.

The current ownership group acquired the resort in 2021 for .5 million. Loyal guests and local residents have expressed their support for the rebuilding plan, emphasizing their fond memories and anticipation of returning to the resort.

Other properties in the area, including the Postcard Inn and the Beachcomber and Bellwether resorts, also remain closed following the hurricane, while St. Pete Beach’s Don CeSar recently reopened after completing extensive repairs to its electrical systems. The recovery from Hurricane Helene continues to be a priority for organizations and entities across the region.

This announcement marks a significant chapter in the ongoing efforts to restore and enhance coastal communities following catastrophic weather events.