Treasure Island, Florida
Treasure Island beckons you with its brilliant sunshine, pristine white beaches and glorious sunsets. A small 3.5 mile long barrier island located on the beautiful west central coast of Florida near St. Petersburg, this island city in Pinellas County, nestles between the Gulf of Mexico at the west and Boca Ciega Bay on the east. On the north, lies John’s Pass and on the south is Blind Pass.
About The Community
Nearly seven thousand people live here through the year and during vacations, the population almost trebles. The cool, relaxed pace of this tropical community has made it a favorite with retirees. People who come for a vacation are charmed by this lovely island and move here permanently.
Until the early twentieth century, Treasure Island retained its natural glory with no inhabitants or development. In 1908, Thomas F. Pierce became the first official land holder when he purchased the island from the State of Florida. The first hotel was built here in 1915 and soon it grew into a popular resort community. It was only when the Treasure Island Causeway was constructed in 1939 that residential development began. The four major communities of the island became the present day Treasure Island in the 1950s. Three major subdivisions, Isle of Capri, Isle of Palms and Paradise Island were created by landfill from the surrounding Boca Ciega Bay.
Important Links
The island is a perfect getaway and there are a large number of hotels of all categories to suit every budget and need. Many of them open on the sands and offer many facilities for families with young kids. Parasailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, fishing and swimming are popular sporting pastimes and the sparkling blue waters provide endless relaxation.
Golfers can tee off at nearby golf courses and shoppers can shop to their hearts content at quaint shops near John’s Pass or the Mall at Tyrone Square. Johns Pass is the world famous passageway to the Gulf of Mexico between Madeira beach and Treasure Island. Other attractions of Florida like Busch Gardens and Cypress Gardens are close by too.
Vicinity of Treasure Island
Additional Details
The island offers a host of dining options from street cafes to fine waterfront restaurants. Concerts, nightclubs and local festivals provide great nighttime entertainment. Captain Kosmakos Seafood and Steakhouse is local favorite for nightly dancing and music. One can dine indoors or have a drink on the waterfront.
A recent controversy in Treasure Island is making some waves of a different kind. A walkway on the beach called the Beach Trail has always been is popular with walkers and bikers. There is a move to upgrade and extend it and perhaps create a winding cemented path along the beach all the way. Residents fear it may destroy the environment and are agitating against it. They fear the natural charm of the beaches would be lost and it would get a commercial touch. For longtime residents Treasure Island is private tropical world of lush flowers, palm trees, parrots, pelicans and dolphins, they are unwilling to see it change.