05-03-2025
Treasure Island "back to beach" event marks recovery from Helene, Milton
Months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered Pinellas County's barrier islands, Treasure Island has a message: The coast is clear — it's time to head back to the beach.
Why it matters: Treasure Island is hosting a "back to the beach" event intended to celebrate its "resilience, community and coastal beauty" as well as its recovery from the back-to-back hurricanes.
State of play: Following widespread flooding from Helene's record storm surge, beach access points and dozens of restaurants, shops and attractions have reopened along the barrier islands, most recently a portion of Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach.
For some businesses, recovery has been slower or too much altogether. The beachside watering hole Caddy's Treasure Island remains "in bad shape" but will reopen soon with a tent and food truck, per a recent Facebook post.
The owners of Woody's Waterfront in St. Pete Beach announced in January they were selling the beloved restaurant.
Zoom in: The "Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights" event takes place March 8-9 from 10am to 6pm and features live music, food trucks and local vendors.
There will also be kite flying and a giant sand sculpture to symbolize Treasure Island's "recovery and renewal."
What they're saying: " The '&' in 'Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights' is more than just a symbol; it represents the essence of Treasure Island and Visit St. Pete Clearwater's theme: We are more than a beach," reads the press release.
"The ampersand conveys the idea that our island is a place where the beach connects to so much more that makes our destination special," it adds.
