Recovery efforts continue in Treasure Island following last year’s damaging storms—and for many local businesses, the lingering effects are hitting hard.

Several major hotels remain closed or are only partially operational. The iconic Thunderbird Hotel, for example, is still shut down and undergoing a full rebuild. As a result, some business owners say they’re seeing fewer visitors this year.

At Treasure Island Boat Rentals, an empty parking lot paints a bleak picture. Ryan Mock, who’s worked there for the past year, says business has stalled.

“We don’t have any rentals going out today. In fact, we haven’t had a boat go out since Saturday,” Mock told Bay News 9. “Before, we’d send out four to eight boats a day.”

Mock says the lack of available accommodations is a major reason for the slump in tourism. With some hotels still closed and many locals displaced and staying in short-term rentals, there’s limited space for tourists.

“A lot of locals still can’t get back into their homes and are staying in Airbnbs, which means fewer vacationers can book them,” he said. “It’s rare to see all our boats sitting idle on a sunny day like this.”

He believes many potential visitors assume Treasure Island is still too damaged to enjoy — a misconception that continues to keep crowds away.

Still, Mock is staying optimistic.

“We’re hoping things will turn around once school is out and summer travel picks up,” he said.

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