The Thunderbird beach resort on treasure island pictured prior to the hurricanes | thunderbird beach resort

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.

The 106-room Thunderbird Beach Resort is located at 10700 Gulf Boulevard in Treasure Island and the surf style shop located across the street, which is owned by the resort owner | Google Maps

While current code would normally limit the 1.84-acre site to 92 hotel rooms, Treasure Island allows properties to be rebuilt to their original square footage if destroyed by a hurricane.

However, the owner said he is also exploring a separate plan with more hotel rooms, even though Treasure Island’s current code does not allow for additional density beyond the approved 106 rooms.

“Putting 106 units on this land doesn’t really pencil out,” said owner Gilad Ovaknin during the meeting. “In order to justify [the development], it’s going to require a little bit more units.”

Ideally, the owners would build a fifth level bringing the total room count to between 160 and 170 units, Thunderbird Beach Resort Manager Donna Jollimore said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

Ovaknin, who also owns the Surf Style retail shop across the street, said the store’s parking lot could be used to address parking needs for the potential expansion.

The board members were open and even supportive of changing the city’s code to allow for higher density.

“It’s ok to bring us some stuff that’s outside the box. Because if you look around, we need it. We can’t live the way that we have for the last 30 years,” said alternate board member Mark Zdrojewski. “You can put a Ferris wheel on top and I’d probably say yes.”

“I second that,” said board member Jennifer Bonvouloir. “If you want to do more, we here to support you.”

The site plan for the rebuild of the resort | Plisko Architecture

Treasure Island Community Development Director Kathryn Younkin said a provision in the countywide plan could allow the owner to build a larger project.

“That is something that would have to be adopted into [the city’s] plan,” said Younkin. “We are working with [the owner’s] attorneys on that right now.”

In the meantime, the owners will file for a demolition permit followed by a building permit. An exact timeline for the demolition and rebuild was not discussed.

"At least this approval gets you one step forward," concluded board member Richard Harris.