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Amusement center will move to former A&P store

A Treasure Island business will keep its name as it takes over space in Seminole.

By By ANNE LINDBERG
Published May 28, 2006

The Treasure Island Fun Center is trading its prime beach location for bigger digs in Seminole.

Robert Noell Jr., the center's owner, paid $2.4-million in March for the former A&P grocery store at 7770 Seminole Blvd through his company Treasure Island Land Co. LLC.

Despite its new location in Seminole, the arcade will retain its name, said Jenny Noell, Noell's daughter and the center's manager.

"It's going to be a Treasure Island theme" filled with pirates and parrots to justify keeping the name, she said Friday.

Publix bought the family's existing entertainment center at 103 104th Ave. on Treasure Island in August for $4.4-million, according to Pinellas County records. The center and the grocery next door are slated to become a Publix complete with bakery, deli, fresh seafood and meats.

Noell said her father had received many offers for the property since buying the land in 1998, but had refused all until Publix came along. The grocery next door had already sold to Publix, so it put the pressure on Robert Noell to sell.

Knowing they would eventually sell the Treasure Island site, the Noells kept their eyes open for a new home. When they saw the Seminole property, they knew they'd found what they were looking for.

The site is 4 acres, which more than quadruples the three-quarters of an acre on Treasure Island. The building is 16,625 square feet, which is 4,000-5,000 square feet larger than the current space. The larger space will provide storage as well as space for private parties and pizza sales. It also has more parking and ample space for expansion, she said.

Noell said plans are to keep the Treasure Island site open until late August or early September if the estimated $366,000 renovation on the new site goes smoothly.

Noell said she's working hard to combat rumors that the center is closing and will not reopen.

"We are open for business and will remain open in this location throughout the summer months, while the new building undergoes remodeling," she said. "As always, we are hosting local summer camps, birthday parties, families and kids of all ages."

The Treasure Island site is scheduled to be razed sometime next year.

[Last modified May 28, 2006, 08:37:15]