In a surprising announcement Monday afternoon, Treasure Island Mayor Tyler Payne declared his immediate resignation following the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In a heartfelt letter shared on social media, Payne explained the difficult decision, stating that he and his husband, like many residents, would be leaving the island.

“Our home, along with my parents’ home—my childhood home—on Paradise Island was completely flooded and severely damaged,” Payne wrote. “My parents will rebuild, allowing us to keep family roots in Treasure Island, but my husband and I cannot afford to do the same.”

Efforts to reach Payne for further comment were unsuccessful.

Elected to the city commission in 2018 and reelected in 2020, Payne assumed the role of mayor in 2021 and was near the end of his three-year term. Reflecting on his time in office, Payne called the experience “the greatest honor of my life.”

Hurricane Helene had inundated Treasure Island with storm surge, leaving homes, businesses, and vehicles buried in sand. The island also faced widespread outages of power, water, and sewer services, and Hurricane Milton later compounded the damage and slowed recovery efforts.

“Making this decision during our recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is heart-wrenching,” Payne wrote. “But for me and my family, it’s the right choice. The mayoral role will demand full commitment to lead our community through the recovery, and I simply do not have the bandwidth for it at this time.”

According to his city bio, Payne is a licensed attorney and executive vice president of Icarelabs, an optical products manufacturer based in St. Petersburg with over 100 employees. He noted that his company’s current growth phase requires his full attention.

Payne expressed empathy for residents facing similar rebuilding dilemmas. Many in Pinellas County’s low-lying areas must either rebuild under stricter regulations or relocate.

A 2008 St. Petersburg High School alum, Payne plans to stay connected with Treasure Island and actively participate in the community. He also voiced confidence in Vice Mayor John Doctor’s ability to lead with “passion and distinction.”

Since becoming mayor, Payne has been a prominent advocate for climate resilience, taking part in annual “State of the Beaches” meetings that address environmental issues. In 2023, Treasure Island’s City Hall was awarded LEED for Cities Gold certification after an $11 million renovation. 

During a recent leadership summit, Payne emphasized the need for storm-resistant infrastructure, acknowledging that while the island’s vintage motels have charm, they lack the resilience needed for modern climate challenges. He supported new developments that incorporate stronger structures and accommodate increased traffic.

The Florida League of Cities named Payne a 2023 Home Rule Hero for his efforts to protect local governance.

Following his announcement, comments on social media were largely supportive. “I’m sure you’re not alone in not being able to afford to rebuild,” wrote resident Wendy Roll. “Good luck to you and your family.”

(Image credit: City of Treasure Island Facebook page)