The Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island is currently fully occupied by local storm evacuees, with rooms paid for by FEMA. General manager Clyde Smith explained that the resort is providing temporary housing for residents from nearby beach communities who were displaced by Hurricane Helene.

Bobby Smith, a 63-year-old evacuee from St. Pete Beach, shared his gratitude for finding shelter at the Bilmar after his first-floor apartment was flooded in September. He will be able to stay at the resort until January 14 through FEMA emergency housing assistance.

The hurricane caused significant damage to the resort, with 27 rooms lost on the first floor due to more than three feet of storm surge. Despite the challenges, the resort’s restaurant, Sloppy Joe’s, was the first business to reopen in Treasure Island within 48 hours.

Smith has taken steps to support the local community by lowering menu prices and focusing on helping employees. He anticipates a gradual return of tourism, expecting things to pick up around spring break and Easter.

The resort’s occupation by FEMA-assisted evacuees is also helping the local economy, with FEMA covering bed tax collections that were down $1.3 million from the previous year.

The general manager remains optimistic about the future, stating, “When our tourists come back, we want to give them the best experience possible,” and expects tourism to return in layers throughout the next year.

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(Image credit: Travel Weekly)