Dilapidated Treasure Island Resort has new owners

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A building that's been a long-time eyesore in Daytona Beach Shores is getting a makeover.

Workers started gutting the Treasure Island Resort on A1A.

It's been closed since 2004 when it was badly damaged by hurricanes.

Channel 9's Blaine Tolison asked what the building's new owners plan to do with it.

For the first time in years, the old Treasure Island was buzzing, but not with tourists.

Workers high above were cleaning and removing broken windows and debris from hotel rooms, and filling several large trash containers around the building.

Neighbors in Daytona Beach Shores across the street noticed the changes.

"Everything was cleaned out and it looked like they're going to fix it up the way it looks to me," said resident Rocky Rothmund.

Officials with the city of Daytona Beach Shores say workers were gutting the building, now in the hands of Rait Financial Trust out of Philadelphia, after it had been in limbo since the owners were forced to close it after the 2004 hurricanes.

"That really messed up the roof. It went downhill since then," Rothmund said.

But the future of Treasure Island still seems unknown. Residents are curious to see if the owners plan to renovate the existing structure or if they plan to turn it into a vacant lot.

"I'd rather see it fixed up. I know it was Treasure Island. Fine, fine place to go," Rothmund said.

City officials said Rait may have plans to partner with another company to make the property a tourist destination once again.

WFTV