Controversial building change vote delayed again

Another delay tonight in Treasure Island for a second time. City commissioners paused a plan that could change the charm of the beach town. The discussion centers around rebuilding after the hurricanes and just how high buildings can go. FOX 13's Blake Devine is live outside Treasure Island City Hall for us tonight. Blake, what exactly is at stake here? Ellie, it's been nearly two years since Hurricane Helene ripped through Treasure Island with a devastating wall of water tonight. The road to recovery remains in place as they're facing yet another delay. I see ST Pete Beach. I see Madeira Beach. They are light years ahead of us and we have nothing. 22 months after Hurricane Helene destroyed her home, Valerie Anchary is still waiting for Treasure Island to build back. They wanted the hometown feeling and I just don't believe that's gonna happen. Um, not with the cost of construction and development and I developers need to make money. She was one of many people packed into Treasure Island City Hall Tuesday night. City commissioners set to vote on a plan which would allow some hotels to be built up to 80 ft tall. Supporters say it would help resorts like the historic Thunderbird rebuild with more rooms. Changes to allow allowable building heightened density affect the future character of our city and should never be fast tracked. But before public comments started, Mr Dickey, Vice Mayor Vasquez, Commissioner Clark, local leaders voted 3-2 postponing this proposal once again. The fact that that is what's holding all this up is crazy because to me that takes away the whole reason that a P. D. Is therefore this decision drawing mixed reactions from the crowd on hand. They still don't have the information that they really need to make an educated decision about whether or not we need to increase heightened density in the community. Longtime local David Elliott left City Hall disappointed by yet another delay. If we are to fully heal, we need to allow our business owners to rebuild and get back on their feet. And local leaders will be back here on August 18th at six p.m. For yet another vote, the third time which they will take up this proposal reporting live in Treasure Island. Blake Divine Fox 13 News.