TREASURE ISLAND
Area: Florida
Country: United States of America


Location:
In the SE United States, on the Gulf of Mexico, halfway down the peninsula of Florida State. 3 mls N of St Pete Beach, 14 mls S of Clearwater Beach; Tampa International Airport 30 mls; St Petersburg/Clearwater Airport 20 mls.

Telephone code from UK:
1 727

Position:
A barrier island connected to the mainland by a causeway.

Description:
Treasure Island is quite a busy, lively and unsophisticated family resort. It is flat and suitable for those with mobility problems. Some hotels are right beside the beach, which is exceptionally good and wide; others are across the busy road from it. At Madeira Beach, the accommodation is classier and more residential in nature, with fewer hotels and many apartment complexes and private villas.

Suitability:
Middle-of-the-road, good all-round family resort.

Accommodation:
Mainly low-rise motels of 1950s vintage; these are all close together and within easy walking distance of each other.

Shopping:
Several groups of shops/restaurants, including one near the marina. John's Pass Village is a particularly attractive waterside complex with 130-odd shops and restaurants plus a raised boardwalk overlooking the marina.

Beach:
Large, wide and of good general quality. A good range of water sports is available.

Entertainments:
Daytime: Treasure Island's local events include an Octoberfest food, music, arts and crafts festival. The "Mad Beach Triathlon", in Madeira Beach, is a May athletic contest accompanied by the "Taste of the Beaches" _ a good food and music festival.

Eating:
An all-round selection. Each autumn, John's Pass Village in Madeira hosts the annual John's Pass Seafood Festival, featuring seafood from 30 restaurants and the wares of more than 100 artists.

Public-transport:
Public buses run along the main road to St Pete Beach, and taxis can be booked without difficulty. A car is not necessary at Treasure Island, but car hire is recommended if you stay at Madeira Beach or wish to go farther afield.

Local-excursions:
In Madeira Beach and John's Pass Village, the marina is a focal point, and deep-sea fishing trips are popular. See also Tampa.