Treasure Island Approves $10.8M Public Safety Building

Treasure Island will soon have a new home for its police and fire departments after the City Commission approved a $10.8 million design-build agreement on September 15. The new public safety building, located on 108th Avenue at the site of the former City Hall, addresses a need that became urgent after hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in 2024, a reminder of the volatile weather patterns common to the Tampa Bay area.

The project carries a guaranteed maximum price of $10.8 million, with $4 million funded by a state appropriation. This investment replaces the city's current public safety building, which dates back to 1957. Residents can expect groundbreaking to occur in early October, with major construction beginning in December. Construction is projected to take between 14 and 16 months.

The new facility will feature three bays for fire trucks on the ground floor, living quarters for firefighters on the second floor, and a police station with secure offices, evidence storage, and community engagement space on the floor above. It also includes a multipurpose training and meeting room designed to function as an emergency operations center during storms, a crucial feature for island communities like Treasure Island, often directly in the path of coastal storms similar to those that have battered areas closer to downtown Tampa.

The path to this approval involved more than a decade of discussion, including a previous plan for a larger City Hall complex on 105th Avenue. That earlier proposal faced opposition from resident advocacy groups concerned about projected costs and borrowing. Fire Chief Trip Barrs highlighted the critical need for the new building, stating, "Hurricane Helene demonstrated just how vulnerable our critical public safety infrastructure can be." Police Chief John Barkley called the building "a symbol of Treasure Island’s resilience and an anchor for our community."

During the September 15 meeting, resident Karen Barnett voiced her support, noting the project had been discussed since she bought her house in 2012. Commissioner Chris Clark credited Volenec for keeping the price down, but Commissioner Arthur Czyszczon cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about cost and the building's vulnerability. Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez expressed her excitement, telling first responders, "You guys are priceless, and no matter if it was $14 million, you’re worth every penny and more." Mayor John Doctor added that the project signals the city's recovery, stating, "We are going to prove we are alive and well."