If you’ve driven down Gulf Boulevard lately, you’ve probably noticed the massive pipes snaking across the sand like giant iron worms. It’s hard to miss. Honestly, the "Sand-sational" vibes people talk about in the travel brochures feel a bit different when you're staring at a construction crane instead of a sunset. But there is a reason for the chaos.
Treasure Island is currently in the middle of a massive identity shift. Between the 2026 Kite Festival taking over the skies this weekend and the literal tons of sand being pumped onto Sunset Beach, the treasure island fl news cycle is busier than a Tiki bar on a Friday night.
The Great Sand Race of 2026
The biggest story right now is the beach renourishment. After the absolute beating we took from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton, our shoreline was basically a ghost of its former self. Pinellas County stepped in with a $125.7 million emergency project because, quite frankly, waiting for the Army Corps of Engineers was taking way too long.
They are moving fast.
Contractors have been working their way up from the south end of Sunset Beach. If you’re a local, you know the Tern parking lot and the Sunset Beach Pavilion have been no-go zones lately. The goal is to finish the sand placement by the end of January 2026. Why the rush? Because the "Erosion Control Line" (ECL) is finally being set. This is a legal line based on the 1968 high water mark that determines where the public beach ends and private property begins. Without this line, the feds won’t give us a dime for future sand.
It’s a bit of a mess, but it’s working. Sunshine Beach is already seeing some of that fresh sand, and the city is getting ready to start planting sea oats and native vegetation by next month to hold it all together.
Why the Causeway Bridge is Closing at Night
If you're planning a late-night run to the mainland, check your watch. The Treasure Island Causeway Bridge is having a rough week. We’ve got nightly closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through January 15. The maintenance teams are swapping out cylinders, which is basically surgery for a drawbridge.
Don't get stuck. Use John’s Pass or Blind Pass if you're out late.
Kites, Chili, and Community Grit
It’s not all construction and closures. The 28th Annual Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition & Festival is happening right now (January 16-18) behind the Thunderbird Beach Resort. It’s one of those weirdly beautiful Florida things where pro flyers do choreographed routines to music. It’s free, it’s loud, and it’s a great distraction from the $1.5 million the city just accepted to rebuild the Public Safety Building.
Speaking of that building, the old one was gutted by the storms. The city is currently operating out of portable buildings that wouldn't stand a chance in a summer thunderstorm, let alone a hurricane. The plan is to build a new, "hardened" facility that can actually survive 150 mph winds.
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And if you’re hungry, mark February 20 on your calendar. The TIFD Annual Chili Cook-Off is back at the Community Center. Ten bucks gets you a ballot to vote for the best recipe. It’s a $10 ticket to help the firefighters, and let’s be real, we owe them a lot after the last two years.
The Real Talk on Taxes and Short-Term Rentals
The City Commission just met on January 5, and the news wasn't all fun and games. They’re looking at a property tax rate of 3.8129 mills for the 2026 fiscal year. The final vote is scheduled for January 20.
There’s also some heat coming down on short-term rental violations. The commissioners are tired of the "party house" vibe in residential zones and are asking for more aggressive enforcement. If you're an owner, you might want to double-check your permits.
Actionable Steps for Treasure Island Residents
If you live here or visit often, staying in the loop isn't just about reading the headlines. It’s about not getting your car towed or your commute ruined.
- Sign up for Alerts: Text PCBEACHES to 888777. This is the fastest way to know if your favorite beach access is closed for dredging.
- Watch the Bridge: Check the city’s Facebook page before heading out after 10 p.m. this week.
- Volunteer: The city just got a $100,000 "We Care for Treasure Island" grant. They need people to help plant sea oats on the new dunes later this spring.
- Vote: The March 2026 election includes a Charter Referendum. Pay attention to the wording; it changes how the city is governed.
Treasure Island is resilient, sure. But more than that, it's a place that’s literally rebuilding itself from the sea floor up. It's a lot of noise and a lot of sand, but by the time spring break hits, the island should look more like its old self again.