When I first arrived in Treasure Island 54 years ago, it was to accept the position of Executive Director of the fledgling Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce on 108th Avenue. The Selection Committee had chosen me for the position due to my experience as Tourism Director of the Chamber in my native St. Augustine.
On arrival, I was met by the Chamber of Commerce president, the late Richard Slezak. After a tour of the growing resort city, Mr. Slezak stated, “I want you to meet a special individual.”
We drove to a residence on Paradise Island, and I was introduced to Ida Ortt, who was then President of the Treasure Islettes, a dynamic women’s club, founded by Mrs. Ruth Dowling in 1955. Little did I know at the time that this group had played such an amazing role in so many community projects since their founding, or that they would become an organization in which both my wife and I would become involved, and remain involved to this day!
After I was elected as Mayor in 1965, I realized just how many wonderful projects, equipment, scholarships, life-saving telemetry, police and fire innovations, beautification, and hundreds of other items too numerous to mention had been provided by the Islettes!
The Islettes will soon arrive at the unheard of total of ONE MILLION dollars in such contributions to the community. As I learned during 25 years in public office, we are the envy of many other cities in the State, due to this wonderful organization.
I am proud and honored to be considered an Honorary Treasure Islette and of my Millie who this month celebrates 60 years of being an Islette!
Julian W. Fant. Mayor (ret.). Commissioner (ret.)