TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Tyler Payne, the mayor of Treasure Island, announced his resignation Monday afternoon. He cited personal and professional reasons for leaving his position.
In a social media post, Payne said he cannot provide the time it takes to be the city’s mayor, especially while Treasure Island continues its recovery after being hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Treasure Island was covered in debris, and many homes were destroyed by the storms. Multiple businesses in the area were forced to close during and after the hurricanes. The city’s popular Sanding Ovations Festival was also canceled as workers and neighbors continued to recover.
“While it pains my heart to make this decision in the midst of our recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Payne wrote in the post. “As we recover from these storms, it is going to be critical for the Mayor to dedicate a significant amount of time to lead our community through the …