Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort to be demolished and rebuilt

Treasure Island’s iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort to be demolished and rebuilt

The iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort, a Treasure Island landmark for the past 68 years, is set to be completely demolished and rebuilt after sustaining catastrophic damage caused by last year’s back-to-back hurricanes.

The courtyard-style resort, located at 10700 Gulf Boulevard, was among many properties hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left behind piles of debris and extensive structural damage, forcing the immediate closure of the beloved beachfront destination.

In a social media post on December 9th, the Thunderbird wrote, “We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love from our guests and the community. It means the world to us—and we want to make one thing clear: The Thunderbird Beach Resort is NOT going anywhere.”

Originally built in 1957 as the 64-unit Thunderbird Motel at a cost of $750,000, the resort has long been a staple of the area.

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Corner Kitchen and Coffee House to take over Sweet Brewnette in Madeira Beach

Corner Kitchen and Coffee House to take over Sweet Brewnette in Madeira Beach

The quaint Sweet Brewnette Cafe in Madeira Beach was one of many businesses that fell victim to Hurricanes Milton and Helene that hit Florida last year. However, a new cafe will rise in its place.

Similar to the beloved Sweet Brewnette Cafe, which is relocating to Panama City Beach, Corner Kitchen and Coffee House will serve made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch items, pastries, and coffee inside the corner building at 13999 Gulf Boulevard when it opens later this month.

“What Sweet Brewnette did was remarkable, and when I saw the space was available, I jumped on it,” said Corner Kitchen and Coffee House owner Jonathan Olejnik, who will run the new cafe with his fiancé, Victoria Helton.

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Boho-inspired cafe Crave Coffee + Market to open in Seminole

Boho-inspired cafe Crave Coffee + Market to open in Seminole

A new coffee spot serving locally made bagels and pastries is opening in Seminole.

Couple Charles and Brittany Frost are weeks away from opening for their new cafe, Crave Coffee + Market, located at 9358 Oakhurst Road in the Publix-anchored Oakhurst Plaza.

The shop will open this spring in a space previously home to coffee shop AuLeche.

"Our family mantra is 'create what you crave.' We are embracing our love of coffee and passion for bringing the community together," Brittany said to St. Pete Rising.

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The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

The Aftermath: Resources to help rebuild Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene

As Helene barreled through Florida making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane Thursday evening in the Big Bend region, it brought a sweeping storm surge to Tampa Bay, turning roads into rivers, causing catastrophic flooding, and leaving thousands without power. Helene has been called the worst storm in a century for the Tampa Bay region. 

In the aftermath of the storm, local governments have initiated recovery efforts.

The surrounding cities and counties are deploying as many resources and supplies as possible. Likewise, local businesses and volunteer groups are doing the same - whether it's donating essential items or providing a temporary shelter.

Here are the resources you should know about and what you can do to lend a helping hand.

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Done Deals: New sports bar debuts on 4th Street, Industrial center sells for $27.2M, Horizon West Bay secures first tenant

Done Deals: New sports bar debuts on 4th Street, Industrial center sells for $27.2M, Horizon West Bay secures first tenant

Done Deals is a weekly column by St. Pete Rising spotlighting recent real estate market insight and significant deals happening in the Sunshine City and beyond. The following information is sourced from public records and trusted intel.

Have real estate news to share? Send us an email at hello@stpeterising.com.

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