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Treasure Island

Treasure Island History

   Treasure Island holds a trove of adventure for those seeking a true "Florida roadside" experience. Located on a thin barrier island, the community's history started with pirates and Indians, but its future may lie with tourists and design purists.  The Timucuan Indians lived on the Pinellas Peninsula and its adjacent barrier islands for hundreds of years. In the late 1700s, pirates and settlers began visiting the islands.  A few small communities grew along the coast in the late 1800s, but modern-day Treasure Island remained largely unsettled until 1915, when Whiteford Harrell built the town's first hotel, the 25-room Coney Island.  After World War II, several motels sprang up along the roadways, with such colorful names as the Sands, the Ebb-Tide and the Sea Chest Motel. More than a dozen '50s-era "Space Age" hotels remain on the island, much to the delight of preservationists and fans of retro culture. Unfortunately, despite preservation efforts, many of these older buildings are in danger of being demolished by developers.  With its distinctive architecture, white sand beaches and easy-going lifestyle, Treasure Island is truly a treat for residents and visitors alike.

Activities

   Treasure Island is located on a long barrier island that's separated from the Pinellas Peninsula by Boca Ciega Bay. The nearby Gulf of Mexico provides a variety of water-based activities, ranging from boating and swimming to diving and snorkeling.  The Treasure Island Golf, Tennis & Recreation Center offers a nine-hole golf course, eight tennis courts and a beach volleyball court. Other golf courses, hiking trails and bike paths are located in neighboring communities.  Drive along the main drag and check out the retro hotels' famed neon signs and '50s-era architecture. Treasure Island is also home to three “Art Modern” causeway bridges that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  The city celebrates its pirate heritage each July 4 during the yearly Pirate Celebration. Other annual events include the Halloween Spooktacular; the Holiday Celebration and Boat Parade; Sun, Sand and Symphony Concerts; and the Bud Light Florida Beach Volleyball Tournament.  Treasure Island is also close to Tampa and St. Petersburg, which offer shopping, fine dining, amusement parks, museums and professional sporting events.

Treasure Island Fast Facts

   Location: Treasure Island is located on the Central West Florida coast, about six miles from St. Petersburg
  *Total area: 5.32 square miles (1.59 square miles land area; 3.73 square miles water area)
  *Population: 7,450
  *Housing units: 5,694
   Average annual rainfall: 49.58 inches
   Average temperatures: 83ºF in summer, 62ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Schools

   There are no public schools in Treasure Island. Students attend classes in neighboring communities.

Homes

   There are a variety of beach homes and condos available in Treasure Island. Homes are available for year-round occupancy or vacation rental.

Maps of Treasure Island

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