Treasure Island Denies Thunderbird Resort's Expansion Proposal

The Thunderbird Beach Resort, a cherished landmark in Treasure Island, is set for demolition following extensive damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

 

However, the timeline for this process and the specifics of its replacement remain uncertain.

 

On November 19, 2025, the Treasure Island City Commission unanimously denied the resort owners' request to increase the building's height from 60 to 80 feet and to add more rooms.

 

Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez expressed her sentiments during the meeting, stating, "We all love the Thunderbird. I've spent many sunsets behind the Thunderbird. But in this particular case, we have to do what's right for the city, and we have to do what's right for the citizens of the city."

 

Local residents voiced concerns that approving the height increase would compromise Treasure Island's unique character, potentially transforming it into a "wall of tall buildings" that obstruct views of the Gulf.

 

They also criticized the absence of a comprehensive master plan, arguing that evaluating developments individually without consistent criteria is irresponsible.

 

In response, the commission decided to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a master planner, aiming to establish a cohesive vision for the city's future developments.

 

The Thunderbird Beach Resort, established in the 1950s, has been a significant part of Treasure Island's history.

 

Its iconic neon sign and longstanding presence have made it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.

 

In September 2024, South Florida-based brothers Avi and Gilad Ovaknin purchased the property.

 

Shortly after, the resort suffered substantial damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, leading to its closure.

 

The owners had proposed a redevelopment plan that included increasing the building's height and room count to enhance resilience against severe weather.

 

Despite the commission's decision, the owners remain committed to revitalizing the property.

 

They have pledged to retain the Thunderbird name and its iconic neon sign, emphasizing a balance between preservation and progress.

 

In a public statement, they assured, "Our new plans reflect a thoughtful balance of preservation and progress. While the structure and layout will evolve, the spirit of the Thunderbird will live on."

 

Before the commission's final vote, Gilad Ovaknin addressed concerns about the property's current state and the delay in demolition.

 

He explained that the estimated cost for demolition is close to $500,000 and that they prefer to align this expense with the approval of their redevelopment plans.

 

"We've been sitting with the property for 14 months without any income," Ovaknin stated.

 

"We'd like to defer any expense to the time that it's really relevant. The right time for us, in terms of the prospective, is once we get the entitlement – meaning we have the approval, that we know that we can go to more detailed plans. At the same time, we can do part of the demolition. That would make more sense for us."

 

As the city moves forward with plans to develop a comprehensive master plan, the future of the Thunderbird Beach Resort remains a focal point in the ongoing dialogue between preservation and modernization in Treasure Island.