Posted on March 16, 2026
By Kailey Tracy
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Nearly a year and a half after Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered the area, a popular spot on Sunset Beach is finally undergoing repairs.
Construction crews began work in January to repair the Sunset Beach Pavilion. While the storm surges destroyed the building’s bathrooms, flooring and utility systems, city officials determined the pavilion’s foundation remained structurally sound.
What they’re saying:
“The cost to raise this pavilion, to tear down the pavilion and rebuild it would be a huge cost to the city. So, after looking at the damage and seeing that the structure was sound, just some damage done to the flooring and plumbing on it, it was a better option just to rebuild it to pre-storm conditions and bring it back to its natural glory,” Jason Beisel, Treasure Island’s spokesperson, said. “The Sunset Beach Pavilion is one of the biggest assets in Treasure Island. We have people who rent it out for weddings, events. The neighborhood loves it. They come out here and do little community gatherings. So, it’s a huge asset to the city.”
By the numbers:
The restoration project carries a $300,000 price tag. While the city has not received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it has secured approximately $162,644 from insurance so far. Beisel said the claim isn’t closed yet, so insurance could still give more money.
