June 25, 2025

Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort could be rebuilt bigger than before

June 25, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After suffering major hurricane damage last year, Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort will be completely demolished and rebuilt, potentially larger than before, while preserving its nostalgic charm.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved a site plan last Thursday for a new four-story resort that will replace the 68-year-old property at 10700 Gulf Boulevard.

As first reported by St. Pete Rising, the rebuild calls for one single U-shaped building to house all 106 hotel rooms—the same number as before—on three levels above a 124-space surface parking lot beneath the structure, along with a 1,750-square-foot lobby and office space.

The resort’s appearance is expected to change significantly, but the Thunderbird name and its historic neon sign will remain.

April 09, 2025

Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort to be demolished and rebuilt

April 09, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort, a Treasure Island landmark for the past 68 years, is set to be completely demolished and rebuilt after sustaining catastrophic damage caused by last year’s back-to-back hurricanes.

The courtyard-style resort, located at 10700 Gulf Boulevard, was among many properties hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left behind piles of debris and extensive structural damage, forcing the immediate closure of the beloved beachfront destination.

In a social media post on December 9th, the Thunderbird wrote, “We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love from our guests and the community. It means the world to us—and we want to make one thing clear: The Thunderbird Beach Resort is NOT going anywhere.”

Originally built in 1957 as the 64-unit Thunderbird Motel at a cost of $750,000, the resort has long been a staple of the area.

February 05, 2025

Tampa Bay's first Tokyo-style claw machine arcade debuts this weekend in Treasure Island

February 05, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Almost everyone has been unfairly let down by a claw machine at some point in their life. They lure you in with the illusion of skill, only to betray you with a weak grip and an unfair payout system, leaving you frustrated and broke.

However, there is a new generation of claw machines that are designed to offer a completely different experience, reversing the game’s negative reputation by featuring improved claws with stronger grips, more consistent payouts, and a better prize selection.

After exploding in popularity in Tokyo in recent years, arcades dedicated to this new era of claw machines have been popping up in big cities like New York, Chicago and Las Vegas.

This Friday, the first claw machine arcade, or “clawcade”, opens in Tampa Bay.

October 04, 2024

Done Deals: Caddy’s temporarily closes all locations, St. Pete apartment building sells, Pilates studio coming to Central Ave

October 04, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Done Deals is a weekly column by St. Pete Rising spotlighting recent real estate market insight and significant deals happening in the Sunshine City and beyond. The following information is sourced from public records and trusted intel.

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.

September 20, 2024

Done Deals: New sports bar debuts on 4th Street, Industrial center sells for $27.2M, Horizon West Bay secures first tenant

September 20, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.

September 13, 2024

Done Deals: St. Pete to sell prime downtown property, Sundial renovation continues, New bar opens in Gulfport

September 13, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.

August 29, 2024

Five-story upscale beachfront condo building is coming to Treasure Island

August 29, 2024/ Veronica Brezina

An upscale penthouse-only beachfront condominium development is about to break ground on the sandy shores of Treasure Island.

Arriving in late 2025 at 10126 Gulf Boulevard, The Pearl will feature four full-floor penthouses boasting over 4,000 square feet of space with unobstructed 180-degree ocean views and private access to one of the widest sections of the barrier island.

The Pearl is the brainchild of Alex Millman and Amy Krusemark, who have over 45 combined years of development experience and have focused their real estate efforts in the St. Petersburg area for the last decade.