Treasure Island halts 2 major initiatives

Treasure Island city commissioners have decided to put on hold two significant initiatives, including a $3 million plan to create a living shoreline at Treasure Bay. The surprise request to halt the project came from Commissioner Bob Minning, who emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough evaluation of the contract and its implications. Vice Mayor Arden Dickey and Commissioner Deborah Toth echoed his concerns, stating they needed more time to review the details. City Manager Chuck Anderson proposed to provide additional briefings on the living shoreline project, but Minning insisted on a comprehensive review starting from the project's early discussions. Mayor John Doctor raised concerns that not moving forward could risk losing $1.

87 million in grant funding from both the state and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. This project was intended to address the deteriorating seawall and improve the ecological health of the area. The living shoreline would utilize natural elements such as oyster reefs and marsh grasses as alternatives to traditional seawalls. The decision reflects a careful approach by local officials to weigh financial and environmental considerations before proceeding.