Community Center damage costing Treasure Island taxpayers
By LEE DIEKEMPER
Article published on Wednesday, March 15, 2006  |
 |
![[Image]](/content_images/031506_bhb-05-a.jpg) |
|
| Photo by LEE DIEKEMPER |
| The Treasure Island Community Center sets the stage for many events in the area. |
|
![[Image]](/content_images/031506_bhb-05-b.jpg) |
|
| Photo by LEE DIEKEMPER |
| Heavy rains in February damaged the community center. |
|
TREASURE ISLAND – Trish Hartmann of the St. Pete Shell Club Inc, was excited about the annual shell show at Treasure Island. The annual event hosted hundreds of artists, local residents, lovers of crafts and even scientists. But this year, Mother Nature had other plans.
In early February, the area was pelted by heavy rains, in some places measuring 12 inches of rain in an hour. Treasure Island was one of the hardest hit areas, so hard the roof of the Community Center collapsed.
As a result, the shell show, which was scheduled for Feb. 24 to 26, was canceled.
“I was pretty disappointed,” Hartmann said. “We have held the shell show there for years.”
Hartmann wasn’t the only person disappointed. Although the damaged roof was insured, the loss of venue for events ended up costing the city – nearly $5,000. But, it could have been worse.
According to Kathy Hayduke, recreation director, most of the events have been postponed until after the roof is repaired, or they were moved to the City Hall auditorium.
Three events were canceled and the revenue lost – the shell show with the rental fee of $1,369; an All Children’s Hospital card party, at $266; and an antique show, at $804.
The community center also was a polling place for the March 14 elections. The polling place was moved to the auditorium, but the city was required to advertise the move through various media outlets which cost the city $2,431.
Hayduke said progress is being made on the community center repairs, and the center should be available in the not too distant future.
“We’re just waiting on the bids to turn into the insurance company,” Hayduke said. “Once that is taken care of, the roof should be finished by June. July at the latest.”
|
Article published on Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
