The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of a site plan amendment for a tiki hut expansion at an alcoholic beverage establishment on West Gulf Boulevard. The tiki hut, constructed by the Seminole Indians, does not require a building permit under Florida building code, though it must adhere to other regulations such as zoning and fire prevention codes. A representative clarified that the fireproofing treatment applied to the tiki hut is permanent and lasts for 30 years, alleviating concerns over fire safety.

Parking arrangements emerged as a discussion point, with concerns about ADA compliance and the challenges posed by the existing tandem parking setup. The Commission ultimately approved the site plan with modifications, mandating the provision of a striped ADA parking space on-site, while also striking a reference to the Florida building code from the conditions. The proposal to maintain the current parking configuration was emphasized to preserve operational capacity, though it required compliance with necessary regulations.

The meeting also delved into broader economic development challenges Treasure Island faces, particularly in the wake of recent storms that have caused a 17% loss in property value. The need for a revitalized non-residential tax base was underscored, as the community has seen a decrease in commercial construction, with only 12,000 square feet added annually over the past 17 years. The proposal of a “business navigator services” program aims to provide essential support to small businesses, fostering early-stage relationships to facilitate growth.

The Commission acknowledged the potential for public-private partnerships and emphasized the importance of a unified community message to attract new businesses. This sentiment was echoed in discussions about the Thunderbird property, which is viewed as a potential catalyst for development. There were calls for development agreements to ensure community benefits accompany property development, with zoning changes suggested for properties like the underutilized Yacht Club.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the city’s efforts to secure funding opportunities for disaster recovery and development projects. With 51 funding opportunities identified, primarily through FEMA, and $30 million worth of grants submitted for hazard mitigation, there is optimism about financial support. The potential for significant funding from Pinellas County was highlighted, with $400 million allocated for communities like Treasure Island.

A discussion on the city’s zoning categories identified only 11 distinct categories, many of which are non-developmental. The Commission proposed a planned development zoning district to offer more flexibility and encourage creative solutions for properties such as the Yacht Club and the Gators property. This proposal aims to overcome the restrictive nature of the current downtown redevelopment plan and stimulate development.

Finally, the meeting outlined upcoming cases, including a special exception for a single-family home in a commercial district and various site plans and variances.