The Brief
- The Thunderbird Beach Resort announced that they are tearing it down to fully rebuild.
- The resort suffered significant damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- Many longtime visitors say they are heartbroken but excited about the new version of the resort.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – The Thunderbird Beach Resort has been a beloved landmark on Treasure Island for 68 years.
Its owners confirmed Thursday it will be torn down and rebuilt. They say more than 80% of the resort sustained substantial damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, leaving them no choice but to redevelop the hotel entirely.
Plans submitted to the city show they’ll keep the iconic neon sign and the name. They also plan to rebuild in the same u-shape with the pool in the middle of the courtyard, cabanas, and a bar with food and drinks.
The backstory:…