TREASURE ISLAND – A huge bonfire that lighted the night skies on Sunset Beach in Treasure Island a year ago will likely be returning soon.
City commissioners moved forward on a resolution during an Oct. 3 workshop that would allow the Sunset Beach Civic Association to stage its second annual fundraiser on Dec. 7, 6 to 10 p.m., next to the Mansions by the Sea. The final approval is expected at the Oct. 17 City Commission meeting.
“Our event last year was very successful,” said Kristy Anderson, president of the Sunset Beach Civic Association. “There was just a lot of people coming and going all night. We didn’t end up with a huge rush and everybody was well behaved. The nicest compliment I heard was that some people were out on the beach the next morning about 9 o’clock and they couldn’t tell where it had been.”
Anderson said she is aware the Beach Pavilion could be closed for construction and asked if the city could help with the rental of Porta-Johns.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Commission Carol Coward, “but the city won’t be able to provide the porta-potties.”
“Last year was a great event and I thought everybody had a great time,” said Mayor Bob Minning.
Anderson said the SBCA plans to use kiln dry wood, “which gives a nice blue flame. It’s a clean wood with no sap or residue.
“We’ll dig a pit, put stakes around it and ropes around it, and monitor the fire throughout the evening,” she added.
The association plans to sell hot cider, hot chocolate, hot dogs, s’mores and T-shirts. There will be no sale of alcohol.
The event would be open to the public and advertised in the SBCA newsletter, as well as other association newsletters in Treasure Island.
In other action, the commission:
• Moved forward on a request by Bruce Denson, president of Paddle Addict Inc., to host a standup paddleboard race May 18-19 on the beach behind the Bilmar Beach Resort. The event would be named the Florida Cup. All proceeds would fund Paddle Addict’s efforts to assist people recovering from addictions. Denson said between 100 and 200 racers from around the country would participate.
• Moved forward on a resolution to award a $9,600 contract to Biltmore Construction for investigative services leading up to renovations of the Treasure Island Community Center.
• Moved forward on a resolution to purchase two 2013 Ford Police Interceptor sports utility vehicles from Bartow Ford for $57,321, including trade-in of two older vehicles, through the Florida sheriff’s purchasing contract.
• Moved forward on acquiring Incode V.X. Inventory and Work Orders software for $24,815.
• Moved ahead on a resolution to allow the question of an additional 2 feet in the maximum building height above the base flood elevation to appear on the ballot for voters to consider.
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